Dynamic Pressure Stimulation Upregulates Collagen II and Aggrecan in Nucleus Pulposus Cells Through Calcium Signaling.

Study Design: An in vitro study to investigate the effect of pressure stimulation on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the question whether physical stimulation can be leveraged to enhance extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis as a preventive measure for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.

Summary Of Background Data: ECM plays an important role in regulating hydration and pressure balance of the IVD.

Elevation of Intra-Cellular Calcium in Nucleus Pulposus Cells with Micro-Pipette-Guided Ultrasound.

Modulation of intra-cellular calcium by ultrasound offers a possible means for therapeutic applications. One such possibility is the modulation of nucleus pulposus cells as a preventive measure for inter-vertebral disc degeneration. We report a cellular stimulation device (micro-pipette ultrasound) using a glass micro-pipette as a waveguide to deliver ultrasound through the pipette tip and to elevate intra-cellular calcium in nucleus pulposus cells.

The responses of nucleus pulposus cells to pressure and ultrasound stimulation.

A cellular stimulation device with a pressurized chamber is developed to investigate the effect of ultrasound and pressure fluctuation on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The pressurized chamber is designed to emulate the in vivo environment of intervertebral discs, which are under dynamic pressure, and to emulate impact during sports and exercise. Both hydrostatic pressure and ultrasound stimulation increase phosphorylation of ERK (pERK) in NP cells, and promote its translocation into nucleus.