Growth-plate cartilage metabolic response to mechanical stress.
An in vitro study assessing the metabolic response of growth-plate cartilage explants to mechanical stress was performed. Cultured explants were exposed to two types of stress: (a) single high-compressive force (SHC), and (b) multiple intermittent low-compressive force (MILC). Proliferative activity and matrix synthesis were determined with liquid scintillation counting after explants were labeled with [3H]thymidine and [35S]-sulfate. Our in vitro findings suggest that too high a force, even acting for a short time, may result in permanent injury of growth plate cartilage. Hence, we hypothesized that there might be an unknown pathogenetic mechanism of Salter's fifth-type epiphyseal injury. We report the results of our study.
Greco
F
F
Department of Orthopedics, Bioengineering Center, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
de Palma
L
L
Specchia
N
N
Mannarini
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002356:Cartilage / Q000502:physiology*; D002455:Cell Division; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004261:DNA Replication; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000502:physiology*; D010012:Osteogenesis; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011817:Rabbits