Fluid Shear Stress Inhibits Differentiation of Growth Plate Chondrocytes, Partially Via Integrin Beta 1

The mechanical environment is an important parameter for the homeostatic function of chondrocytes [1]. Numerous studies have considered the effect of shear stress on mature normal [2] or arthritic [3] chondrocytes in vitro and in the joint tissues, like articular cartilage [4,5] or meniscal fibro-cartilage [6,7]. Cartilage is a highly hydrated tissue that experiences movement of fluid when compression is applied, resulting in potential fluid shear stress along the cellular membrane [8]. Studies of tissue engineered cartilage show that changes in fluid shear stress in a bioreactor can modulate growth and differentiation of the cells and that effects change as the cells produce extracellular matrix (ECM) [9,10].