Increased endothelial shear stress improves insulin‐stimulated vasodilatation in skeletal muscle

Abstract

It has been postulated that increased blood flow‐associated shear stress on endothelial cells is an underlying mechanism by which physical activity enhances insulin‐stimulated vasodilatation. This report provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that increased shear stress exerts insulin‐sensitizing effects in the vasculature and this evidence is based on experiments in vitro in endothelial cells, ex vivo in isolated arterioles and in vivo in humans. Given the recognition that vascular insulin signalling, and associated enhanced microvascular perfusion, contributes to glycaemic control and maintenance of vascular health, strategies that stimulate an increase in limb blood flow and shear stress have the potential to have profound metabolic and vascular benefits mediated by improvements in endothelial insulin sensitivity.