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Fibroblast orientation to stretch begins within three hours
C Neidlinger-Wilke1, E Grood, L Claes
1Institut für Unfallchirurgische Forschung und Biomechanik, Universität Ulm, Germany.
Summary
Fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, begin to align within 3 hours of mechanical stretch. This orientation response continues even after the stretch stimulus is removed.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Connective tissue cells, such as fibroblasts, exhibit alignment in response to mechanical stress.
- Previous research indicated a 12-14 hour timeframe for these responses, but lacked precise timing and post-cessation data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the earliest time fibroblasts orient in response to mechanical stretch.
- To investigate if fibroblast orientation persists after the cessation of stretch.
Main Methods:
- Primary human fibroblasts were cultured on deformable substrates and subjected to uniaxial strain (8%, 1 Hz).
- Cell orientation was captured via photography at various time points during and after stretch application (up to 24 hours).
- An interactive computer program quantified cell orientation.
Main Results:
- Fibroblast orientation commenced within 2-3 hours of initiating stretch.
- Orientation progressed significantly by 24 hours of continuous stretch.
- Cells stretched for 2 or 3 hours maintained increased orientation for 2-3 hours post-stretch cessation.
Conclusions:
- Fibroblast orientation begins within 3 hours of mechanical stretch initiation.
- Fibroblast orientation is a dynamic process that continues for several hours after the removal of the mechanical stimulus.