R&D Systems supports vascular smooth muscle research with a full line of recombinant proteins and antibodies as well as Tocris Bioscience peptides and small molecules. Our immunoassay selection includes Quantikine® and DuoSet® ELISA kits, ELISpot kits, Luminex® assays, and Proteome Profiler™ antibody arrays. We also provide stem cell and cell culture products to support your research. Learn More.
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Quantikine® and DuoSet® ELISA Kits
Antibodies
Ephrin Ligands and Eph Receptors
Integrin Subunits and Heterodimers
Multi-analyte Assays
Luminex® High Performance Assays
Small Molecule Agonists and Antagonists
Adrenergic and Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors
Angiotensin and Endothelin Receptors
Vascular Smooth Muscle Literature and Resources
Brochures and Product Guides
Cardiovascular Research Product Guide
Products for Angiogenesis Research
Products for Chemokine Research
Products for Glycobiology Research
Signal Transduction Antibody Reference Guide
Posters
Atherosclerosis Disease Progression
References and Troubleshooting Guides
Chemokine Superfamily Pathway: Human/Mouse Ligand-Receptor Interactions
Protocols/Troubleshooting Guides From Novus Biologicals®
Protocols/Troubleshooting Guides From R&D Systems®
Background
The vascular smooth muscle layer (tunica media) that surrounds arteries and arterioles provides physical support for these vessels. It also regulates blood pressure by contraction/relaxation induced by endocrine hormones and symathetic innervation. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) express a range of cytokine, growth factor, hormone, bioactive lipid, and neurotransmitter receptors. VSMC activation induces the upregulated secretion of inflammatory mediators and proteases. In some diseases, such as atherosclerosis, VSMC proliferate abnormally and acquire a partial osteoblastic phenotype, leading to tissue mineralization and a loss of arterial elasticity.