Effect of altered mechanical load conditions on the structure and function of cultured tendon fascicles

We have developed an in vitro model system to investigate the relationships between mechanical unloading and tendon matrix remodeling. Remodeling was characterized by changes in the functional and structural characteristics of rat tail tendon fascicles (RTTF) subjected to no load conditions for 1 we...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of orthopaedic research 2008-03, Vol.26 (3), p.364-373
Main Authors: Abreu, Eduardo L., Leigh, Diane, Derwin, Kathleen A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
biomechanics
Body Water - metabolism
Collagen - metabolism
Elasticity
Extracellular Matrix - metabolism
extracellular matrix remodeling
Glycosaminoglycans - metabolism
In Vitro Techniques
Male
mechanobiology
organ culture
Rats
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
Stress, Mechanical
tendon
Tendons - anatomy & histology
Tendons - metabolism
Tendons - physiology
Time Factors
Viscosity
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Summary:We have developed an in vitro model system to investigate the relationships between mechanical unloading and tendon matrix remodeling. Remodeling was characterized by changes in the functional and structural characteristics of rat tail tendon fascicles (RTTF) subjected to no load conditions for 1 week in vitro. We hypothesized that the absence of load will: (I) maintain cross‐sectional area (CSA), with decreased elastic modulus and increased stress‐relaxation; (II) cause an increase in denatured collagen and a decrease in water and total glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. Fascicles cultured under a nominal static stress were used as control for culture conditions effects. Unloading resulted in a decrease of approximately 23% in the elastic modulus of cultured fascicles, consistent with previous stress‐deprivation studies. Contrary to our hypothesis, a nominal static stress caused an increase in elastic modulus (∼30%) and a significant decrease in stress‐relaxation when compared to fresh fascicles at 1% strain. Mechanical changes were associated with changes in the GAG content of the fascicles, but not their CSA, water, or collagen content. Furthermore, we did not find evidence of measurable denatured collagen in the cultured fascicles. Together these results suggest a role for GAG but not collagen or water in the elastic and viscoelastic changes measured in tendon fascicles cultured for 1 week under altered load conditions. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:364–373, 2008
ISSN:0736-0266
1554-527X
DOI:10.1002/jor.20520