Effects of compressive forces on proliferation and matrix synthesis in mandibular condylar cartilage of the rat in vitro

• Published in: Archives of oral biology Vol. 30; no. 4; p. 299
• Main Authors: Copray, J C, Jansen, H W, Duterloo, H S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 1985
• Subjects: Animals; Cartilage - cytology; Cell Division; Mandibular Condyle - cytology; Mandibular Condyle - growth & development; Mitotic Index; Organ Culture Techniques; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Stress, Mechanical; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0003-9969
• DOI: 10.1016/0003-9969(85)90001-9

The cartilage from 4-day-old rats were exposed to continuous and intermittent compressive forces. Proliferative activity and matrix synthesis in vitro were determined by measuring the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine, [35S]-sulphate and [3H]-proline by autoradiography and liquid-scintillation counting. The findings suggest that a continuously-applied force of approx. 0.5 g stimulated proliferation in the condylar cartilage but reduced the synthesis of the sulphated glycosaminoglycans and collagen. A stimulatory influence on the synthesis of these matrix components, on the other hand, was observed when the condylar cartilage was exposed to an intermittent force (0.7 Hz) of approx. 0.5-1.0 g; this intermittent force, however, reduced the proliferative activity. It appears that, at least in vitro, the basic growth processes in the condylar cartilage can be regulated by compressive forces.