Leupin, Olivier (2017) Minimal mechanical loading protects tendon explants from the acquisition of tendinopathic features. Journal of orthopaedic research. ISSN 07360266

Abstract

Appropriate mechanical load is essential for tendon homeostasis and optimal tissue
function. Due to technical challenges in achieving physiological mechanical loads in
experimental tendon model systems, the research community still lacks well characterized models of tissue homeostasis and physiological relevance. Toward this
urgent goal, we present and characterize a novel ex vivo murine tail tendon explant
model. Mouse tail tendon fascicles were extracted and cultured for six days in a load
deprived environment or in a custom-designed bioreactor applying low magnitude
mechanical load (intermittent cycles to 1% strain, at 1Hz) in serum-free tissue culture.
Cells remained viable, as did collagen structure and mechanical properties in all tested
conditions. Cell morphology in mechanically loaded tendon explants approximated
native tendon, whereas load-deprived tendons lost their native cell morphology. These
losses were reflected in altered gene expression, with mechanical loading tending to
maintain tendon specific and matrix remodelling genes phenotypic of native tissue. We conclude from this study that ex vivo load deprivation of murine tendon in minimal culture medium results in a degenerative-like phenotype. We further
conclude that onset of tissue degeneration can be suppressed by low-magnitude mechanical loading. Thus a minimal tissue culture model featuring serum-free medium with low mechanical loads seems to provide a useful baseline for further investigations.

Item Type:	Article
Date Deposited:	07 Jun 2018 00:45
Last Modified:	07 Jun 2018 00:45
URI:	https://oak.novartis.com/id/eprint/33257