[The effect of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene particles on macrophage].
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) particles on macrophages and evaluate the expression of NFAT2, a key transcriptional factor for osteoclast differentiation.


METHODS
From November 2004 to February 2005, macrophages were co-cultured with UHMWPE particles. When observed at different times, the proliferation activity of macrophages was analyzed by MTT and the expression of calcineurin (CaN) and NFAT2 by immunohistochemical and RT-PCR method respectively.


RESULTS
The macrophages phagocytosed UHMWPE particles in an early time, the expression of CaN and NFAT2 was increased, while the proliferation activity was not enhanced.


CONCLUSIONS
UHMWPE particles can stimulate macrophages to phagocytose significantly, and enhance the expression of the transcriptional factor NFAT2.
Mao
Yuan-qing
YQ
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, the Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200011, China. maoyuanqing@gmail.com
Zhu
Zhen-an
ZA
Tang
Ting-ting
TT
Li
Hong-bin
HB
D000818:Animals; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D050778:NFATC Transcription Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics
D050778:NFATC Transcription Factors; D011095:Polyethylenes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C111601:ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene