Mechanical stimulation induces CTGF expression in rat osteocytes

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which is encoded by an immediate ea rly gene and a member of the CCN family, has been shown to be expressed in osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and chondrocytes. Although CTGF is expressed in b one and cartilage tissues, we tested the hypothesis that CTGF is regulated in mechanotransduction. In the alveolar bone during experimental tooth move ment, CTGF mRNA was expressed in osteoblasts and in osteocytes localized ar ound the periodontal ligament under control conditions. Interestingly, 12 h rs after the start of experimental tooth movement, the expression of CTGF m RNA in osteocytes and osteoblasts became more intense around the periodonta l ligament, and the intense expression of CTGF extended to osteocytes situa ted deep in alveolar bone matrix apart from periodontal ligament in both te nsion and compression sides. Our present findings indicate that CTGF could play a role in regulation of osteocyte function during the mechanical stimu lation of bone.