A genetic study of dynamic compressive stress promoting proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts

Objective To study the impacts of dynamic compressive stress on the mRNA expression of osteopontin ( OPN ),runt related gene 2 ( Runx2 ),osteocalcin ( OC ),osterix,alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) in the osteoblasts of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods Osteoblasts extracted from skull periosteum tissue of neonatal SD rats were digested using trypsin and collagenase （Ⅰ）,then were subcultured and amplified in vitro.ALP staining and alizarin red staining were performed to identify the purified cells.The cells were treated with compressive stress at 20,50 or 100 mmHg for 24 h.The expression levels of OPN,Runx-2,OC,osterix,ALP and BMP-2 were measured and quantitatively analysed using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Under 20 mmHg of dynamic compressive stress the expression levels of OPN,Runx2,OC,osterix,ALP and BMP-2 all were elevated compared with the control group.The peak expression oecured under 50 mmHg pressure. The expression levels did not change significantly compared with the control group under 100 mmHg pressure. Conclusions Moderate dynamic compressive stress can promote the expression of OPN,Runx-2,OC,osterix,ALP and BMP-2 mRNA in osteoblasts,which might be an important mechanism for promoting the union of fractures. Key words: Compressive stress ;  Osteoblasts;  Osteopontin;  Osteocalcin;  Alkaline phosphatase