Active and Passive Responses of Myofibroblasts in Response to Mechanical Stretching in 3D Culture

The stretch response of myofibroblast cells cultured in a three-dimensional environment was simultaneously measured and observed using a tissue stretching apparatus mounted to a confocal microscope. Optical measurements were used to assess mechanical estimates of cell response obtained through combined mechanical testing and biochemical inhibition. Results show that activated myofibroblasts provide an effective resistance on the order of 100s of kPa. In specific mechanical environments, stretched myofibroblasts release the ECM.