A NEW SYSTEM FOR CYCLICAL TENSILE LOADING OF CULTURED CONNECTIVE TISSUE CELLS IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL GEL MATRIX

摘要

This novel system enables isolated connective tissue cells to be subjected to tensile loading in a 3D matrix (fibrin gel) in culture, and to observe cells in a strained or unstrained state. This apparatus will enable investigations of the factors that affect cell morphology and phenotype, and may lead to a better understanding of the mechano-transduction pathways in connective tissue cells in health and disease.