Use of conditionally immortalized mouse cardiac fibroblasts to examine the effect of mechanical stretch on alpha-smooth muscle actin

Mechanical stretch regulates alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression in myofibroblasts but limited replication and cellular heterogeneity have hampered definitive studies in vitro. We examined the role of applied force in regulating SMA expression in conditionally immortalized cardiac fibroblast lines derived from H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mice. When plated in differentiating conditions (37 degrees C without interferon-gamma), transgenic myofibroblasts exhibited vimentin staining, no desmin staining and abundant SMA in well-developed stress fibers that were indistinguishable from controls. Magnetically-generated tensile forces (approximately 500 pN/cell) applied through collagen-coated magnetite beads selectively reduced SMA but not beta-actin mRNA and protein content in both cell types. The early loss of SMA was due in part to selective leakage into the cell culture medium. Depolymerization of actin filaments with cytochalasin D blocked the force-induced reduction of SMA. Cardiac fibroblast lines established from H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mice provide a phenotypically stable source of cells for studying the role of physical forces in regulating SMA.     

Integrin activation and matrix binding mediate cellular responses to mechanical stretch

Mechanical tension is a critical determinant of cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, and development. Integrins have been implicated in sensing force but little is known about how forces are transduced to biochemical signals. We now show that mechanical strain stimulates conformational activation of integrin alphavbeta3 in NIH3T3 cells. Integrin activation is mediated by phosphoinositol 3-kinase and is followed by an increase in integrin binding to extracellular matrix proteins. Mechanical stretch stimulation of JNK was dependent on new integrin binding to extracellular matrix. These data define a molecular mechanism for the role of integrins in mechanotransduction.     

Cyclical mechanical stretch modulates expression of collagen I and collagen III by PKC and tyrosine kinase in cardiac fibroblasts

Mechanical load and chemical factors as stimuli for the different pattern of the extracellular matrix (ECM) could be responsible for cardiac dysfunction. Since fibroblasts can both synthesize and degrade ECM, ventricular fibroblasts from adult rat hearts underwent cyclical mechanical stretch (CMS; 0.33 Hz) by three different elongations (3%, 6%, 9%) and four different serum concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 5%, 10%) within 24 h. Expression of collagen I and III, as well as matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), and colligin were analyzed by RNase protection assay. In the absence of serum, 9% CMS increased the mRNA of collagen I by 1.70-fold and collagen III by 1.64-fold. This increase was prevented by the inhibition either of PKC or of tyrosine kinase but not of PKA. Inhibition of PKC or tyrosine kinase itself reduced the expression of collagen I and collagen III mRNA. The mRNA of MMP-2, TIMP-2, and colligin showed the same tendency by stretch. Combined with 10% serum, 6% CMS reduced the mRNA of collagen I (0.62-fold) and collagen III (0.79-fold). Inhibition of PKC or tyrosine kinase, but not of PKA, prevented the reduction of collagen I and collagen III mRNA in 10% serum. The results show that the response of fibroblasts to CMS depends on the serum concentration. At least two signaling pathways are involved in the stretch-induced ECM regulation. Myocardial fibrosis due to ECM remodeling contributes to the dysfunction of the failing heart, which might be attributed to changes in hemodynamic loading.     

Ca influx and ATP release mediated by mechanical stretch in human lung fibroblasts

One cause of progressive pulmonary fibrosis is dysregulated wound healing after lung inflammation or damage in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The mechanical forces are considered to regulate pulmonary fibrosis via activation of lung fibroblasts. In this study, the effects of mechanical stretch on the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and ATP release were investigated in primary human lung fibroblasts. Uniaxial stretch (10–30% in strain) was applied to fibroblasts cultured in a silicone chamber coated with type I collagen using a stretching apparatus. Following stretching and subsequent unloading, [Ca²⁺]_i transiently increased in a strain-dependent manner. Hypotonic stress, which causes plasma membrane stretching, also transiently increased the [Ca²⁺]_i. The stretch-induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation was attenuated in Ca²⁺-free solution. In contrast, the increase of [Ca²⁺]_i by a 20% stretch was not inhibited by the inhibitor of stretch-activated channels GsMTx-4, Gd³⁺, ruthenium red, or cytochalasin D. Cyclic stretching induced significant ATP releases from fibroblasts. However, the stretch-induced [Ca²⁺]_i elevation was not inhibited by ATP diphosphohydrolase apyrase or a purinergic receptor antagonist suramin. Taken together, mechanical stretch induces Ca²⁺ influx independently of conventional stretch-sensitive ion channels, the actin cytoskeleton, and released ATP.     

Cyclic mechanical stretch inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in fetal rat lung fibroblasts

Development of the pulmonary air sacs is crucial for extrauterine survival. Late fetal lung development is characterized by a thinning of the mesenchyme, which brings pneumocytes and endothelial cells into apposition. We hypothesized that mechanical stretch, simulating fetal breathing movements, plays an important role in this remodeling process. Using a Flexercell Strain Unit, we analyzed the effects of intermittent stretch on cell proliferation and apoptosis activation in fibroblasts isolated from fetal rat lungs during late development. On day 19, intermittent stretch increased cells in G(0)/G(1) by 22% (P = 0.001) and decreased in S phase by 50% (P = 0.003) compared with unstretched controls. Cell proliferation analyzed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation showed a similar magnitude of cell cycle arrest (P = 0.04). At this same gestational age, stretch induced apoptosis by two- to threefold over controls, assayed by DNA flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-FITC nick-end labeling, and caspase-3 activation. These results indicate that mechanical stretch of fibroblasts isolated during the canalicular stage inhibits cell cycle progression and activates apoptosis. These findings are cotemporal with the mesenchymal thinning that normally occurs in situ.     

Equibiaxial cyclic stretch stimulates fibroblasts to rapidly remodel fibrin

Understanding the effects of the mechanical environment on wound healing is critical for developing more effective treatments to reduce scar formation and contracture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dynamic mechanical stretch on cell-mediated early wound remodeling independent of matrix alignment which obscures more subtle remodeling mechanisms. Cyclic equibiaxial stretch (16% stretch at 0.2 Hz) was applied to fibroblast-populated fibrin gel in vitro wound models for eight days. Compaction, density, tensile strength, and collagen content were quantified as functional measures of remodeling. Stretched samples were approximately ten times stronger, eight-fold more dense, and eight times thinner than statically cultured samples. These changes were accompanied by a 15% increase in net collagen but no significant differences in cell number or viability. When collagen crosslinking was inhibited in stretched samples, the extensibility increased and the strength decreased. The apparent weakening was due to a reduction in compaction rather than a decrease in ability of the tissue to withstand tensile forces. Interestingly, inhibiting collagen crosslinking had no measurable effects on the statically cultured samples. These results indicate that amplified cell-mediated compaction and even a slight addition in collagen content play substantial roles in mechanically induced wound strengthening. These findings increase our understanding of how mechanical forces guide the healing response in skin, and the methods employed in this study may also prove valuable tools for investigating stretch-induced remodeling of other planar connective tissues and for creating mechanically robust engineered tissues.     

Molecular responses of human dermal fibroblasts to dual cues: contact guidance and mechanical load

Fibroblast contraction in wound healing involves the interaction of several cell types, cytokines, and extracellular matrix molecules. We have previously developed fibroblast alignment models using precise uniaxial mechanical loads in 3D culture and using contact guidance on fibronectin strands. Our aim here was to use contact guidance to place fibroblasts in their potentially most sensitive configuration, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of loading, to present cells with conflicting guidance cues. Gene expression at the mRNA level of cells recovered from different zones of the 3D collagen gel (with distinct orientation) was determined by quantitative RT-PCR for the matrix proteases MMP1, 2, and 3, and inhibitors TIMP1 and 2.Our results show a 2-, 4-, and 3-fold increase in MMP1, 2, and 3, respectively, in the non-aligned strain zone, relative to the aligned strain zone. These results suggest that cells unable to align to applied loads remodel their matrix far more rapidly than orientated cells. Where fibroblasts were held in an alignment perpendicular to the applied load by contact guidance, the fall in MMP mRNA expression was largely abolished, indicating that these cells remained in a mechano-activated state. The protease inhibitors TIMP1 and 2 were poorly mechano-responsive, further suggesting that changes in MMP expression result in functional matrix remodelling. These results indicate how mechanical loading in tissues may influence matrix remodelling, particularly under conflicting guidance cues.     

Cyclic stretch induces the release of growth promoting factors from cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts

Growth factors and hormones may play an autocrine/paracrine role in mechanical stress-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Using an in vitro model of mechanical stress, i.e. stretch of cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts, we tested the involvement of growth factors and hormones in this process.We found that conditioned medium (CM) derived from 4 h cyclicly (1 Hz) stretched cardiomyocytes increased the rate of protein synthesis in static cardiomyocytes by 8 ± 3%. Moreover, CM derived from 2 h stretched fibroblasts increased the rate of protein synthesis in static fibroblasts as well as in static cardiomyocytes by 8 ± 2 and 6 ± 2%, respectively. Analysis of CM using size-exclusion HPLC showed that cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts released at least three factors with MW 10 kD, their quantities being time-dependently increased by stretch. Subsequent analyses using immunoassays revealed that cardiomyocytes released atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF₁) being increased by 45 ± 17 and 21 ± 4% upon 4 h of stretch, respectively. Fibroblasts released TGF₁ and very low quantity of endothelin-1 (ET-1). The release of TGF₁ was significantly increased by 18 ± 4% after 24 h of stretch in fibroblasts. Both cell types released no detectable amount of angiotensin II (Ang II).In conclusion, upon cyclic stretch cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts secrete growth factors and hormones which induce growth responses in cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in an autocrine/paracrine way. TGF secreted by cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, and ANP secreted by cardiomyocytes are likely candidates. We found no evidence for the involvement of Ang II and ET-1 in autocrine/paracrine mechanisms between cardiac cell types.     

Cyclooxygenase inhibition attenuates sympathetic responses to muscle stretch in humans

Passive muscle stretch performed during a period of post-exercise muscle ischemia (PEMI) increases muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), and this suggests that the muscle metabolites may sensitize mechanoreceptors in healthy humans. However, the responsible substance(s) has not been studied thoroughly in humans. Human and animal studies suggest that cyclooxygenase products sensitize muscle mechanoreceptors. Thus we hypothesized that local cyclooxygenase inhibition in exercising muscles could attenuate MSNA responses to passive muscle stretch during PEMI. Blood pressure (Finapres), heart rate, and MSNA (microneurography) responses to passive muscle stretch were assessed in 13 young healthy subjects during PEMI before and after cyclooxygenase inhibition, which was accomplished by a local infusion of 6 mg ketorolac tromethamine in saline via Bier block. In the second experiment, the same amount of saline was infused via the Bier block. Ketorolac Bier block decreased prostaglandin synthesis to approximately 34% of the baseline. Before ketorolac Bier block, passive muscle stretch evoked significant increases in MSNA (P < 0.005) and mean arterial blood pressure (P < 0.02). After ketorolac Bier block, passive muscle stretch did not evoke significant responses in MSNA (P = 0.11) or mean arterial blood pressure (P = 0.83). Saline Bier block had no effect on the MSNA or blood pressure response to ischemic stretch. These observations indicate that cyclooxygenase inhibition attenuates MSNA responses seen during PEMI and suggest that cyclooxygenase products sensitize the muscle mechanoreceptors.     

Mechanical stretch induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and G2／M accumulation in cardiac fibroblasts

Heart remodeling is associated with the loss of cardiomyocytes and increase of fibrous tissue owing to abnormal mechanical load in a number of heart disease conditions. In present study, a well-described in vitro sustained stretch model was employed to study mechanical stretch-induced responses in both neonatal cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiomyocytes, but not cardiac fibroblasts, underwent mitochondria-dependent apoptosis as evidenced by cytochrome c (cyto c) and Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria into cytosol accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential (△ψm) reduction, indicative of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP)opening. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of PTP, inhibited stretch-induced cyto c release, △ψm reduction and apoptosis,suggesting an important role of mitochondrial PTP in stretch-induced apoptosis. The stretch also resulted in increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, including Bax and Bad, in cardiomyocytes, but not in fibroblasts. Bax was accumulated in mitochondria following stretch. Cell permeable Bid-BH3 peptide could induce and facilitate stretch-induced apoptosis and △ψm reduction in cardiomyocytes. These results suggest that Bcl-2 family proteins play an important role in coupling stretch signaling to mitochondrial death machinery, probably by targeting to PTP. Interestingly, the levels of p53 were increased at 12 h after stretch although we observed that Bax upregulation and apoptosis occurred as early as 1 h. Adenovirus delivered dominant negative p53 blocked Bax upregulation in cardiomyocytes but showed partial effect on preventing stretch-induced apoptosis, suggesting that p53 was only partially involved in mediating stretch-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we showed that p21 was upregulated and cyclin B 1 was downregulated only in cardiac fibroblasts, which may be associated with G2/M accumulation in response to mechanical stretch.     

The role of calcium in the response of cardiac muscle to stretch

This review focuses on the complex interactions between two major regulators of cardiac function; Ca2+ and stretch. Initial consideration is given to the effect of stretch on myocardial contractility and details the rapid and slow increases in contractility. These are shown to be related to two diverse changes in Ca2+ handling (enhanced myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity and increased intracellular Ca2+ transient, respectively). Interaction between stretch and Ca2+ is also demonstrated with respect to the rhythm of cardiac contraction. Stretch has been shown to alter action potential configuration, generate stretch-activated arrhythmias, and increase the rate of beating of the sino-atrial node. A variety of Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms including attenuation of Ca2+ extrusion via Na+/Ca2+ exchange, Ca2+ entry through stretch-activated channels (SACs) and mobilisation of intracellular Ca2+ stores have been proposed to account for the effect of stretch on rhythm. Finally, the interaction between stretch and Ca2+ in the secretion of natriuretic peptides and onset of hypertrophy is discussed. Evidence is presented that Ca2+ (entering through L-type Ca2+ channels or SACs, or released from sarcoplasmic reticular stores) influences secretion of both atrial and B-type natriuretic peptide; there is data to support both positive and negative modulation by Ca2+. Ca2+ also appears to be important in the pathway that leads to expression of precursors of hypertrophic protein synthesis. In conclusion, two of the major regulators of cardiac muscle function, Ca2+ and stretch, interact to produce effects on the heart; in general these effects appear to be additive.     

Dynamic mechanical stretch of organotypic brain slice cultures induces differential genomic expression: relationship to mechanical parameters

Although the material properties of biological tissues are reasonably well established, recent studies have suggested that the biological response of brain tissue and its constituent cells may also be viscoelastic and sensitive to both the magnitude and rate of a mechanical stimulus. Given the potential involvement of changes in gene expression in the pathogenic sequelae after head trauma, we analyzed the expression of 22 genes related to cell death and survival and found that a number of these genes were differentially regulated after mechanical stretch of an organotypic brain slice culture. Twenty-four hours after stretch, the expression of BDNF, NGF, and TrkA was significantly increased, whereas that of bcl-2, CREB, and GAD65 was significantly decreased (MANOVA followed by ANOVA, p < 0.05). Expression of CREB and GAD65 was negatively correlated with strain, whereas expression of APP695 was negatively correlated with strain rate (all p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that a subset of genes involved in cell death and survival are differentially regulated after dynamic stretch in vitro and that the expression of specific genes is correlated with mechanical parameters of that stretch.     

Tissue stretch induces nuclear remodeling in connective tissue fibroblasts

Studies in cultured cells have shown that nuclear shape is an important factor influencing nuclear function, and that mechanical forces applied to the cell can directly affect nuclear shape. In a previous study, we demonstrated that stretching of whole mouse subcutaneous tissue causes dynamic cytoskeletal remodeling with perinuclear redistribution of α-actin in fibroblasts within the tissue. We have further shown that the nuclei of these fibroblasts have deep invaginations containing α-actin. In the current study, we hypothesized that tissue stretch would cause nuclear remodeling with a reduced amount of nuclear invagination, measurable as a change in nuclear concavity. Subcutaneous areolar connective tissue samples were excised from 28 mice and randomized to either tissue stretch or no stretch for 30 min, then examined with histochemistry and confocal microscopy. In stretched tissue (vs. non-stretched), fibroblast nuclei had a larger cross-sectional area (P < 0.001), smaller thickness (P < 0.03) in the plane of the tissue, and smaller relative concavity (P < 0.005) indicating an increase in nuclear convexity. The stretch-induced loss of invaginations may have important influences on gene expression, RNA trafficking and/or cell differentiation.     

Effect of mechanical stretch on the expressions of elastin,LOX and Fibulin-5 in rat BMSCs with ligament fibroblasts co-culture

The occurrence of PFD is closely related with elasticity, toughness, and functional changes of the connective tissue of the pelvic support tissue. This study aims to evaluate the effect of mechanical stretch on the differentiation of BMSCs with a co-culture with pelvic ligament fibroblasts. BMSCs was isolated and identified from 7 day SPF SD rats. Rat pelvic ligament fibroblasts were obtained from rat pelvic ligament. The fourth passage of fibroblasts was subjected to 10% deformation with 1 Hz, 12 h periodic one-way mechanical stretch stimulation, and the cells were then co-cultured with BMSCs. The longer co-culture and co-culture with mechanical stretch (i.e. 6 and 12 days) induced more expression of elastin, LOX, and Fibulin-5, compared to the groups without stimulation. Compared to co-culture group each, Co-culture with mechanical stretch stimulation group induced significant expression of elastin, LOX, and Fibulin-5, both in 3, 6 and 12 days co-culture groups (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences among 3, 6, and 12 days control groups. These results suggest that in an indirect co-culture system, pelvic ligament fibroblasts with mechanical stretch stimulation can promote BMSCs differentiation, reflecting in the increased expression of elastin, LOX, and Fibulin-5.     

Short-term responses of phloem transport to mechanical perturbation

Jaeger, C. H., Goeschl, J. D., Magnuson, C. E., Fares, Y. and Strain, B. R. 1988. Short-term responses of phloem transport to mechanical perturbation. - Physiol. Plant. 72: 588–594.
Phloem transport was monitored using a continuous stream of ¹¹CO₂-labelled air administered to one leaf while gamma detectors measured ¹¹C activity at intervals along the stem. The effect of gentle, non-injurious mechanical perturbation on phloem transport was tested in cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. Stoneville 213). Mechanical stimuli such as shaking, localized vibration and gentle massage were applied while the plants were at isotope equilibrium. Localized phloem blockages were observed within 1–2 min of the stimuli. The blockages lasted from 6–55 min and full recovery of transport required 20–175 min. The effect of preconditioning to mechanical perturbation on phloem transport was tested in bush beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Cherokee Bush). Preconditioning of a bean seedling to gentle stem massage resulted in a shorter blockage response and quicker transport recovery period when the seedling was massaged during a ¹¹C tracer experiment compared to a control seedling. These results indicate that measurements of phloem transport on recently disturbed plants will probably show depressed phloem transport velocities. Measurements should be made after at least a 24-h disturbance-free recovery period.     

Sympathetic nerve responses to muscle contraction and stretch in ischemic heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) induces abnormal regulation of peripheral blood flow during exercise. Previous studies have suggested that a reflex from contracting muscle is disordered in this disease. However, there has been very little investigation of the muscle reflex regulating sympathetic outflows in CHF. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by the coronary artery ligation in rats. Echocardiography was performed to determine fractional shortening (FS), an index of the left ventricular function. We examined renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve activities (RSNA and LSNA, respectively) during 1-min repetitive (1- to 4-s stimulation to relaxation) contraction or stretch of the triceps surae muscles. During these interventions, the RSNA and LSNA responded synchronously as tension was developed. The RSNA and LSNA responses to contraction were significantly greater in MI rats (n = 13) with FS <30% than in control animals (n = 13) with FS >40% (RSNA: +49 +/- 7 vs. +19 +/- 4 a.u., P < 0.01; LSNA: +28 +/- 7 vs. +8 +/- 2 a.u., P < 0.01) at the same tension development. Stretch also increased the RSNA and LSNA to a larger degree in MI (n = 13) than in control animals (n = 13) (RSNA: +36 +/- 6 vs. +19 +/- 3 a.u., P < 0.05; LSNA: +24 +/- 3 vs. +9 +/- 2 a.u., P < 0.01). The data demonstrate that CHF exaggerates sympathetic nerve responses to muscle contraction as well as stretch. We suggest that muscle afferent-mediated sympathetic outflows contribute to the abnormal regulation of peripheral blood flow seen during exercise in CHF.