Effect of mechanical pressure on c-fos and on the mitotic activity of epidermal cells

A dosed mechanical pressure of 12.5 kg/cm2 applied for 1 min on depilated mouse skin did not cause cellular death or visible alterations of the cellular ultrastructures. However, it had a strong effect on the mitotic cycle of the epidermal cells-stimulating the cells to enter the mitotic cycle and temporarily blocking the G1-->S transition. This effect was strictly limited to the pressed area of the skin. The proto-oncogene c-fos was induced within the first 2 min following application of the pressure. The level of c-fos mRNA showed two peaks during the next 24 h. The first slight peak was preceded by a rapid increase in the cAMP level in the pressed skin, the second-by a fall in the cAMP concentration. A model is suggested to explain the observed effects by reversible functional damage of the cellular membrane affecting the enzymes maintaining the steady state level of cAMP.