Modulation of cell functions of human tendon fibroblasts by different repetitive cyclic mechanical stress patterns

Mechanical stress is a factor that is thought to play an essential role in tissue generation and reparation processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different repetitive cyclic longitudinal stress patterns on proliferation, apoptosis and expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 72. To perform this study, human tendon fibroblasts were seeded on flexible silicone dishes. After adherence to the dish, cells were longitudinally stressed with three different repetitive stress patterns having a frequency of 1 Hz and an amplitude of 5%. The proliferation and apoptosis rates were investigated 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours after application of cyclic mechanical longitudinal strain. Expression of HSP 72 was tested after 0, 2, 4 and 8 hours. Control cells were also grown on silicone dishes, but did not receive any stress. Stress patterns applied during one day resulted in a significant increase in proliferation and a slight increase in apoptosis. HSP 72 expression was rather unchanged. A stress pattern applied during two days resulted in a reduced proliferation and apoptosis rate whereas the expression of HSP 72 showed a significant increase. This study shows that different stress patterns result in different cellular reactions dependent on the strength of applied stress. Repetitive stress applied during one day stimulated proliferation and apoptosis in contrast to an extended stress duration. The latter induced an inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis probably through an increased HSP 72 activity. This may be related to an excess of applied stress. Our results may implicate future modulation techniques for tissue reparation and tissue engineering.