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Biorheology2004; 41(5); 613-628;

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.
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Publication Date: 2004-10-13 PubMed ID: 15477668
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  • 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

Biorheology
ISSN: 0006-355X
NlmUniqueID: 0372526
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 41
Issue: 5
Pages: 613-628

Researcher Affiliations

Goodman, S A
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK AL9 7TA.
May, S A
    Heinegård, D
      Smith, R K W

        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

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