A tissue-engineered endothelial cell – smooth muscle cell arteriole-like model

Arterioles are small arteries that play a pivotal role in regulating blood flow and pressure. Co-culture of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) in a collagen fiber matrix with the correct spatial organization has been challenging. Here, we report a 3D tissue-engineered arteriole model (∼150 μm in diameter) with co-cultured confluent monolayers of SMCs and ECs. We demonstrate the structural integrity and barrier function of the model with high resolution microscopy and permeability measurements. The arteriole model recapitulates physiological contraction and dilation under pulsatile flow. In addition, perfusion with an inflammatory cytokine induces increased adhesion of immune cells on the endothelium. Together, this model provides a novel platform for studying the structure and function of human arterioles, paving the way for drug development targeting arteriole disorders.