The effects of mechanical stimulation on proliferation and CTGF expression of human lung fibroblast

To understand the effect of mechanical stimulation on proliferation and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression of human lung fibroblast (MRC-5), the cells were subjected to cyclic stretch regimens (sine wave, 5% and 10% elongation amplitude, 0.2Hz, 48h duration) by FX-4000 Tension System. The MRC-5 proliferation was examined and analyzed by flow cytometry following 48h of stretch, the CTGF expression was detected by ELISA method following 12h, 24h, 36h, and 48h of stretch. Results: the 5% stretch promoted the proliferate activity and did not affect the CTGF expression of MRC-5; however, the 10% stretch inhibited the proliferation of MRC-5 and increased the CTGF expression at 36h and 48h (P<;0.05). It is concluded that mechanical stimulation play important role in the proliferation activity and CTGF expression of lung fibroblast.