THE EFFECTS OF SHEAR DEFORMATION ON CHONDROGENESIS

Due to mechanical loading, cartilage experiences distortional change, volumetric change, and fluid flow. Research has shown cells to be responsive to unconfined compression, a load that produces all three conditions. To isolate the factor(s) responsible for chondrogenesis, the first goal of this research was to design and implement a device for the application of shear deformation to cells. Secondly, using this device, Stage 23/24 chick limb bud cells were suspended in 2% alginate and subjected to 20% shear deformation at 1 Hz. for two hours daily for three days. Gene expression, DNA content, sGAG content, and cartilage nodule formation were determined after eight days in culture and compared to results obtained for non-loaded cells. Results indicated that shear deformation at the applied level did not have a significant effect on chondrogenesis in Stage 23/24 chick limb bud cells, suggesting that this cell type is not extremely sensitive to distortional change.