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Annulus cells release ATP in response to vibratory loading in vitro
Satoru Yamazaki1, Paul S Weinhold, Ronald D Graff
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|October 31, 2003
Summary
Mechanical forces like vibration stimulate intervertebral disc annulus cells to release adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). This release may signal cellular responses to mechanical stress, potentially influencing disc health.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mechanical forces significantly influence tissue development and cellular function.
- Vibratory loading is a common mechanical stimulus in connective tissues, posing potential risks to spinal structures.
- Cells respond to mechanical stimuli by altering intracellular calcium and releasing extracellular adenosine 5 omino-triphosphate (ATP) as a signaling molecule.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate adenosine 5 omino-triphosphate (ATP) release from human (hAN) and rabbit (rAN) intervertebral disc annulus cells in response to vibratory loading.
- To quantify extracellular ATP levels in response to varying durations of vibratory stimulation.
- To explore the potential role of ATP as a signaling mediator in annulus cells under mechanical stress.
Main Methods:
- Cultured human and rabbit annulus cells were subjected to vibratory loading.
- Extracellular adenosine 5 omino-triphosphate (ATP) levels were measured using a firefly luciferin-luciferase assay.
- Basal and stimulated ATP release were quantified and compared to control conditions.
Main Results:
- Annulus cells exhibited a basal level of extracellular adenosine 5 omino-triphosphate (ATP) (1-1.5 nM).
- Vibratory loading stimulated ATP release in both human and rabbit annulus cells.
- Human annulus cells showed a transient increase in ATP release within 10 minutes, returning to baseline, with reduced levels after 15 minutes of vibration. Rabbit annulus cells demonstrated a significant increase in ATP after 30 minutes of vibration.
Conclusions:
- Resting annulus cells secrete adenosine 5 omino-triphosphate (ATP), maintaining a basal extracellular concentration.
- Annulus cells may utilize extracellular ATP as an autocrine/paracrine signaling messenger in response to vibratory loading.
- The rapid degradation of ATP to ADP could modulate cellular responses, and complex vibration may activate pathways leading to disc matrix destruction.