The metabolic response of mesenchymal cells in mechanically active
environments depends on the interactions between fluid flow, intra and/or extracellular,
with the cytoskeletal components, especially microfilaments. Therefore, in vitro research of
cellular mechanotransduction requires experimental methods that should include two major
components: cultured cells adherent to firm surface that are exposed to controlled
mechanical stimulation. The most commonly used mechanical models for the in vitro study
of cellular responses to mechanical forces at low frequencies (below 5 Hz) utilize
controlled cyclic stretching, when attached to elastic membranes, and exposure of cell
cultures to a controlled fluid flow. For higher frequencies of mechanical stimulation (in the
infrasonic range) application of external vibration is a preferred method. Methods of
mechanical stimulation of mesenchymal cells in vitro are based on their ability to adhere to
plastic surfaces. Therefore the anchorage of these cells to a surface provides the possibility
to transfer mechanical force from the solid out-surface into the cells. Most of the
mesenchymal cell types are metabolically sensitive to the externally applied mechanical
force. Osteoblasts are the best example for cellular sensitivity to mechanical stimulation
therefore we describe the methods for mechanical stimulation of these cells, but the same
methods are also applicable to other mesenchymal cells, such as chondroblasts, fibroblasts,
mesenchymal stem cells, etc.
Keywords: Fluid shear, stretching membrane, vibration.
