Tenocyte response to cyclical strain and transforming growth factor beta is dependent upon age and site of origin.
Abstract: The effect of strain and transforming growth factor beta on equine tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) was assessed in vitro. Tenocytes were isolated from flexor and extensor tendons of horses from foetal to 10 years of age. These cells were cultured until confluent on collagen-coated silicone dishes. Cyclic biaxial strain of 9+/-1% was applied at 0.5 Hz for 24 hours with or without added TGFbeta1 or 3 (10 ng/ml). Proliferation and synthetic responses were dependent on the tendon of origin. Neither strain nor TGFbeta caused flexor tenocytes to proliferate significantly, while strain alone did proliferate extensor tenocytes. TGFbeta, with or without strain, increased the incorporation of [3H]-proline and the production of types I and III collagen and COMP in both cell types, although the effect on COMP production was more marked in flexor tenocytes, perhaps reflecting the higher levels found in this tendon in vivo. Immature flexor tenocytes synthesised more collagen and COMP than those from mature animals, while age had little effect in extensor tenocytes. Our results suggest that tenocytes become differentiated at an early age and present tendon-specific responses.
Publication Date: 2004-10-13 PubMed ID: 15477668
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study investigates the influence of cyclic strain and transforming growth factor beta on tendon cells from horses of various ages and anatomical sites. It reveals tissue-specific and age-dependent responses that suggest early differentiation of tendon cells.
Methodology
The researchers conducted an in-vitro study with tendon fibroblasts (tenocytes) from horses of age ranging from the fetus to 10 years old. They extracted these cells from two kinds of tendons – flexor and extensor.
- For the experiment, cells were grown on collagen-coated silicone dishes until a cell collective covered the dish surface, a state termed “confluence.”
- The researchers then applied a regular cyclic biaxial strain of around 9% at a frequency of 0.5 Hz for 24 hours, with or without the addition of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 or 3 (also known as TGF-beta).
Findings
The study found distinct reaction patterns depending on the cells’ tendon origin.
- No significant proliferation was observed when flexor tenocytes were subjected to strain or TGF-beta. However, extensor tenocytes showed significant proliferation when subjected to strain alone.
- Both strain and TGF-beta enhanced the protein production in both types of cells, primarily increasing the incorporation of a radioactive protein ([3H]-proline) and the production of collagen types I and III, and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP).
- Flexor tenocytes enhanced COMP production even more, possibly reflecting the higher COMP levels present in flexor tendons in the actual anatomy of the horse.
- The study also found variable responses in cells based on the age of the cell’s original host. Younger flexor tenocytes produced more collagen and COMP than those from older hosts, while cell age had a negligible effect in extensor tenocytes.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that tendon cells adapt to different mechanical conditions and biological factors, showing that these cells undergo differentiation at an early stage. Such insights can help understand tendon tissue engineering and related clinical applications better.
Cite This Article
APA
Goodman SA, May SA, Heinegård D, Smith RK.
(2004).
Tenocyte response to cyclical strain and transforming growth factor beta is dependent upon age and site of origin.
Biorheology, 41(5), 613-628.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK AL9 7TA.
MeSH Terms
- Aging / physiology
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Collagen Type I / biosynthesis
- Collagen Type III / biosynthesis
- Extracellular Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis
- Fibroblasts
- Glycoproteins / biosynthesis
- Horses
- Matrilin Proteins
- Stress, Mechanical
- Tendons / cytology
- Tendons / metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology
Citations
This article has been cited 15 times.- Tsiapalis D, Kearns S, Kelly JL, Zeugolis DI. Growth factor and macromolecular crowding supplementation in human tenocyte culture.. Biomater Biosyst 2021 Mar;1:100009.
- Macedo RS, Teodoro WR, Capellozzi VL, Rosemberg DL, Sposeto RB, de Cesar Netto C, Deland JT, Maffulli N, Ellis SJ, Godoy-Santos AL. Histoarchitecture of the fibrillary matrix of human fetal posterior tibial tendons.. Sci Rep 2022 Oct 26;12(1):17922.
- Wu SY, Kim W, Kremen TJ Jr. In Vitro Cellular Strain Models of Tendon Biology and Tenogenic Differentiation.. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022;10:826748.
- Notermans T, Tanska P, Korhonen RK, Khayyeri H, Isaksson H. A numerical framework for mechano-regulated tendon healing-Simulation of early regeneration of the Achilles tendon.. PLoS Comput Biol 2021 Feb;17(2):e1008636.
- Yoon JY, Lee SY, Shin S, Yoon KS, Jo CH. Comparative Analysis of Platelet-rich Plasma Effect on Tenocytes from Normal Human Rotator Cuff Tendon and Human Rotator Cuff Tendon with Degenerative Tears.. Clin Shoulder Elb 2018 Mar;21(1):3-14.
- Theodossiou SK, Schiele NR. Models of tendon development and injury.. BMC Biomed Eng 2019;1.
- Patel D, Sharma S, Bryant SJ, Screen HR. Recapitulating the Micromechanical Behavior of Tension and Shear in a Biomimetic Hydrogel for Controlling Tenocyte Response.. Adv Healthc Mater 2017 Feb;6(4).
- Morita W, Snelling SJ, Dakin SG, Carr AJ. Profibrotic mediators in tendon disease: a systematic review.. Arthritis Res Ther 2016 Nov 18;18(1):269.
- Zhang J, Yuan T, Wang JH. Moderate treadmill running exercise prior to tendon injury enhances wound healing in aging rats.. Oncotarget 2016 Feb 23;7(8):8498-512.
- Russo V, Mauro A, Martelli A, Di Giacinto O, Di Marcantonio L, Nardinocchi D, Berardinelli P, Barboni B. Cellular and molecular maturation in fetal and adult ovine calcaneal tendons.. J Anat 2015 Feb;226(2):126-42.
- Zhou B, Zhou Y, Tang K. An overview of structure, mechanical properties, and treatment for age-related tendinopathy.. J Nutr Health Aging 2014 Apr;18(4):441-8.
- Backman LJ, Fong G, Andersson G, Scott A, Danielson P. Substance P is a mechanoresponsive, autocrine regulator of human tenocyte proliferation.. PLoS One 2011;6(11):e27209.
- Scutt N, Rolf CG, Scutt A. Tissue specific characteristics of cells isolated from human and rat tendons and ligaments.. J Orthop Surg Res 2008 Jul 24;3:32.
- Stanley RL, Fleck RA, Becker DL, Goodship AE, Ralphs JR, Patterson-Kane JC. Gap junction protein expression and cellularity: comparison of immature and adult equine digital tendons.. J Anat 2007 Sep;211(3):325-34.
- Kandel RA, Hamilton D, Séguin C, Li SQ, Arana C, Pilliar R. An in vitro tissue model to study the effect of age on nucleus pulposus cells.. Eur Spine J 2007 Dec;16(12):2166-73.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
