Adhesion of human osteoblasts to titanium: A morpho-functional analysis with confocal microscopy.

Properties of surface affect the interactions between the implant and osteoblasts and direct the clinical osteointegrative outcome. The aim of this in vitro study was to describe the adhesion of living human osteoblasts to titanium disks with differently prepared surfaces: sand blasted with ZrO(2) particles and acid-etched (Soft-SLA, S-SLA) or with Al(2)O(3) particles and acid-etched (Hard-SLA, H-SLA), smooth surface (SS). Confocal microscopy was exploited to follow cell morpho-functional features either on living cells (cell shape with calcein-acethoxymethylester and mitochondria with tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester) or on fixed cells (immunocytochemistry of beta1-integrin and of actin) 6h or 24h after seeding.

Dose-dependent effects of platelet gel releasate on activities of human osteoblasts.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma is used in oral and maxillofacial surgery; however, its real efficacy is debated. Also, the in vitro effects on bone-specific functions are contradictory. Understanding the mechanisms of action of platelet-derived factors could be the basis for their proper use in clinical applications.

Analysis of living cells grown on different titanium surfaces by time-lapse confocal microscopy.

In this study we have combined fluorescence- and reflection-confocal laser scanning microscopy for the simultaneous visualization of living cells and surface topography beneath them. To this purpose we have designed a specific flow chamber and we have tested it with osteoblasts grown on an opaque, thick support, made of smooth or sandblasted titanium. Cells were loaded with Calcein-AM or tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM), two probes employed as indicators of cell viability/morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, respectively.

Life on the wire: on tensegrity and force balance in cells.

Since cell mechanics has attracted the attention of a growing number of researchers, several models have been proposed to explain cell mechanical behavior, among which tensegrity is certainly the most convincing one. Originally developed by the architect Buckminster Fuller, tensegrity structures are based on the presence of discontinuous compression elements that balance the force generated by continuous tension elements, thus reaching an equilibrium that is completely independent of gravity. This model is a useful tool to predict cell spreading, motility and especially mechanotransduction, i.

Sympathetic modulation by carvedilol and losartan reduces angiotensin II-mediated lipolysis in subcutaneous and visceral fat.

Advanced heart failure is characterized by increased activation of the renin-angiotensin system and the development of cachexia. Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been proposed as a lipid metabolism regulator. The effects of exogenous Ang II (osmotic minipump, 525 ng/kg/min for 12 d) on interstitial sc glycerol and norepinephrine levels, indexes of lipolysis, and sympathetic activation, respectively, were measured in Sprague Dawley rats by consecutive microdialysis performed in vivo in white adipose tissue.