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

OBJECTIVE The influence of cytomechanical forces in cellular migration, proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is still poorly understood in detail. METHODS Human MSCs were isolated and cultivated onto the surface of a 3 x 3 mm porcine collagen I / III carrier. After incubation, cell cultures were transferred to the different cultures 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.