Spinning around or stagnation - what do osteoblasts and chondroblasts really like?

OBJECTIVE: The influcence of cytomechanical forces in cellular migration, proliferation and differentation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is still poorly understood in detail. METHODS: Human MSCs were isolated and cultivated onto the surface of a 3 × 3 mm porcine collagen I/III carrier. After incubation, cell cultures were transfered to the different cutures systems: regular static tissue flasks (group I), spinner flasks (group II) and rotating wall vessels (group III). Following standard protocols cells were stimulated lineage specific towards the osteogenic and chondrogenic lines. To evaluate the effects of applied cytomechanical forces towards cellular differentiation distinct parameters were measured (morphology, antigen and antigen expression) after a total cultivation period of 21 days in vitro. RESULTS: Depending on the cultivation technique we found significant differences in both gen and protein expression. CONCLUSION: Cytomechanical forces with rotational components strongly influence the osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation.