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Matrix synthesis by bladder smooth muscle cells is modulated by stretch frequency
Douglas E Coplen1, Edward J Macarak, Pamela S Howard
1Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 4001 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. Animal
|September 25, 2003
Summary
Bladder stretching alters smooth muscle cell synthesis of collagen types I and III. Mechanical frequency impacts collagen production, suggesting different regulatory mechanisms for each type and affecting extracellular matrix composition.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The bladder is a dynamic organ subject to significant mechanical stress during normal function.
- Understanding how mechanical forces influence bladder cells is crucial for tissue engineering and disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mechanical stretching and deformation in altering the synthetic phenotype of bladder wall cells.
- To quantify changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and protein levels in response to mechanical stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Cultured bovine bladder smooth muscle cells were subjected to cyclic mechanical deformation on distensible membranes.
- Varying frequencies of mechanical stretching were applied to assess their impact on ECM expression.
- Levels of type I and type III collagen mRNAs and proteins were quantified.
Main Results:
- Smooth muscle cells demonstrated sensitivity to mechanical deformation, with altered synthesis of type I and type III collagens.
- Type I collagen production correlated with mRNA levels, indicating transcriptional regulation, except at 60 cycles/min.
- Type III protein levels showed correlation with mRNA only at 20 cycles/min, suggesting alternative regulatory mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of mechanical deformation significantly alters the ECM secretory phenotype of bladder smooth muscle cells.
- Bladder wall stretching influences smooth muscle cell secretory phenotype, leading to changes in ECM composition.
- These findings have implications for understanding bladder physiology and pathology related to mechanical stress.