M. Skutek et al., Cyclic mechanical stretching modulates secretion pattern of growth factorsin human tendon fibroblasts, EUR J A PHY, 86(1), 2001, pp. 48-52
The objective of the study was to investigate whether the response profile
of the growth factor of human tendon fibroblasts could be beneficially infl
uenced through the application of mechanical stretch. It was considered tha
t this would elucidate structural and functional problems, often seen after
tendon and ligament healing. The secretion pattern of transforming growth
factor-beta (TGF-beta), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and basic fib
roblast growth factor (bFGF) was determined in mechanically stretched fibro
blasts and compared to non-stretched controls. Human tendon fibroblasts wer
e experimentally stretched for 15 and 60 min at a frequency of I Hz and an
amplitude of 5%. The secretion of TGF-beta, PDGF and bFGF was measured by e
nzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. All the growth factors investigated were
indeed secreted by human tendon fibroblasts both in stretched cells and co
ntrols. Mechanical stretch increased the secretion pattern of the growth fa
ctors. The increased concentrations of TGF-beta, bFGF and PDGF after cyclic
al mechanical stretching may have a positive influence on tendon and ligame
nt healing through stimulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and m
atrix formation.