Primary Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells (HAoSMC) are isolated from plaque-free regions of the human aorta and stain positive for smooth muscle α-actin. The pulsatile pressure produced by the heart causes a cyclic distention of the aorta. The smooth muscle cells in the aortic wall subsequently contract it again. Changes in the arterial wall, associated with vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, strongly influence this process.
HAoSMC are suitable for studying the role of smooth muscle cells under normal or disease conditions in vitro.