Biophysical Journal
Volume 91, Issue 4, 15 August 2006, Pages 1541-1547
Journal home page for Biophysical Journal

Dynamic Compression Augments Interstitial Transport of a Glucose-Like Solute in Articular Cartilage

https://doi.org/10.1529/biophysj.105.080366Get rights and content
Under an Elsevier user license
open archive

Abstract

Solute transport through the extracellular matrix is essential for cellular activities in articular cartilage. Increased solute transport via fluid convection may be a mechanism by which dynamic compression stimulates chondrocyte metabolism. However, loading conditions that optimally augment transport likely vary for different solutes. To investigate effects of dynamic loading on transport of a bioactive solute, triangular mechanical loading waveforms were applied to cartilage explants disks while interstitial transport of a fluorescent glucose analog was monitored. Peak-to-peak compression amplitudes varied from 5–50% and frequencies varied from 0.0006–0.1 Hz to alter the spatial distribution and magnitude of oscillatory fluid flow. Solute transport was quantified by monitoring accumulation of fluorescence in a saline bath circulated around the explant. Individual explants were subjected to a series of compression protocols, so that effects of loading on solute desorption could be observed directly. Maximum increases in solute transport were obtained with 10–20% compression amplitudes at 0.1 Hz; similar loading protocols were previously found to stimulate chondrocyte metabolism in vitro. Results therefore support hypotheses relating to increased solute transport as a mediator of the cartilage biological response to dynamic compression, and may have application in mechanical conditioning of cartilage constructs for tissue engineering.

Cited by (0)