OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether mechanical stretch stimulates expression of the immediate early gene c-fos messenger RNA in rat myometrial smooth muscle cells. STUDY DESIGN: Freshly isolated myometrial smooth muscle cells (from virgin rats) were plated on flexible culture plates that were coated with either collagen I, laminin, elastin, or pronectin and were subjected to a static stretch with a computerized strain unit. Immunocytochemistry was used to define smooth muscle cell phenotype, and c-fos expression levels were assessed by Northern blotting. RESULTS: Myometrial smooth muscle cells maintained their phenotype for at least 7 days in culture. Stretch induced a dramatic increase in levels of c-fos messenger RNA, which peaked after 30 minutes. Stimulation of c-fos gene expression was dependent on the degree of stretch (maximum induction at 25% elongation). Interestingly, as little as 1 minute of stretch was sufficient to induce maximal c-fos expression at 30 minutes. The most dramatic induction of c-fos was observed in smooth muscle cells that were stretched on collagen I-coated plates. CONCLUSION: Myometrial smooth muscle cells can directly respond to mechanical stretch with a strength- and matrix component-dependent increase in c-fos messenger RNA. The time delay between the initial stimulus and the cumulative elevation of c-fos messenger RNA suggests a complex regulation from mechanoreception to c-fos gene expression.
OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether mechanical stretch stimulates expression of the immediate early gene c-fos messenger RNA in rat myometrial smooth muscle cells. STUDY DESIGN: Freshly isolated myometrial smooth muscle cells (from virgin rats) were plated on flexible culture plates that were coated with either collagen I, laminin, elastin, or pronectin and were subjected to a static stretch with a computerized strain unit. Immunocytochemistry was used to define smooth muscle cell phenotype, and c-fos expression levels were assessed by Northern blotting. RESULTS: Myometrial smooth muscle cells maintained their phenotype for at least 7 days in culture. Stretch induced a dramatic increase in levels of c-fos messenger RNA, which peaked after 30 minutes. Stimulation of c-fos gene expression was dependent on the degree of stretch (maximum induction at 25% elongation). Interestingly, as little as 1 minute of stretch was sufficient to induce maximal c-fos expression at 30 minutes. The most dramatic induction of c-fos was observed in smooth muscle cells that were stretched on collagen I-coated plates. CONCLUSION: Myometrial smooth muscle cells can directly respond to mechanical stretch with a strength- and matrix component-dependent increase in c-fos messenger RNA. The time delay between the initial stimulus and the cumulative elevation of c-fos messenger RNA suggests a complex regulation from mechanoreception to c-fos gene expression.
Authors: Nora E Renthal; Chien-Cheng Chen; Koriand'r C Williams; Robert D Gerard; Janine Prange-Kiel; Carole R Mendelson Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2010-11-15 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: Lori J Day; Kendra L Schaa; Kelli K Ryckman; Meg Cooper; John M Dagle; Chin-To Fong; Hyagriv N Simhan; David C Merrill; Mary L Marazita; Jeffrey C Murray; Sarah K England Journal: Reprod Sci Date: 2011-01-25 Impact factor: 3.060
Authors: Chun Lung Wong; Ya Yu Huang; Wing Kei Ho; Hong Kit Poon; Pui Lai Cheung; Wai Sum O; Pak Ham Chow Journal: Reprod Biol Endocrinol Date: 2009-11-25 Impact factor: 5.211