Using a custom galvanotaxis chamber and time-lapse digital video microscopy, we report the novel observation that cultured chondrocytes exhibit cathodal migration when subjected to applied direct current (DC) electric fields as low as 0.8 V/cm. The response was dose-dependent for field strengths greater than 4 V/cm. Cell migration appeared to be an active process with extension of cytoplasmic processes in the direction of movement. In some cells, field application for greater than an hour induced elongation of initially round cells accompanied by perpendicular alignment of the long axis with respect to the applied field. Antagonists of the inositol phospholipid pathway, U-73122 and neomycin, were able to inhibit cathodal migration. Cell migration toward the cathode did not require the presence of serum during field application. However, the directed velocity was nearly threefold greater in studies performed with serum. Studies performed at physiologic temperatures revealed a twofold enhancement in migration speed compared to similar studies at room temperature Findings from the present study may help to elucidate basic mechanisms that mediate chondrocyte migration and substrate attachment. Since chondrocyte migration has been implicated in cartilage healing, the ability to direct chondrocyte movement has the potential to impact strategies for addressing cartilage healing/repair and for development of cartilage substitutes. [S0148-0731(00)00803-7]
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
June 2000
Technical Papers
Chondrocyte Translocation Response to Direct Current Electric Fields
Pen-Hsiu Grace Chao,
Pen-Hsiu Grace Chao
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Search for other works by this author on:
Rani Roy,
Rani Roy
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Search for other works by this author on:
Robert L. Mauck,
Robert L. Mauck
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Search for other works by this author on:
Wendy Liu,
Wendy Liu
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Search for other works by this author on:
Wilmot B. Valhmu,
Wilmot B. Valhmu
Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
Search for other works by this author on:
Clark T. Hung
Clark T. Hung
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Search for other works by this author on:
Pen-Hsiu Grace Chao
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Rani Roy
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Robert L. Mauck
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Wendy Liu
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Wilmot B. Valhmu
Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032
Clark T. Hung
Cellular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
Contributed by the Bioengineering Division for publication in the JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICAL ENGINEERING. Manuscript received by the Bioengineering Division, October 21, 1999; revised manuscript received February 6, 2000. Associate Technical Editor: R. Vanderby, Jr.
J Biomech Eng. Jun 2000, 122(3): 261-267 (7 pages)
Published Online: February 6, 2000
Article history
Received:
October 21, 1999
Revised:
February 6, 2000
Citation
Chao , P. G., Roy , R., Mauck , R. L., Liu, W., Valhmu, W. B., and Hung, C. T. (February 6, 2000). "Chondrocyte Translocation Response to Direct Current Electric Fields ." ASME. J Biomech Eng. June 2000; 122(3): 261–267. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.429661
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Related Articles
Numerical Assessment of Thermal Response Associated With In Vivo Skin Electroporation: The Importance of the Composite Skin model
J Biomech Eng (June,2007)
Periodic Nanomechanical Stimulation in a Biokinetics Model Identifying Anabolic and Catabolic Pathways Associated With Cartilage Matrix Homeostasis
J. Nanotechnol. Eng. Med (November,2010)
High-Density Transcranial DC Stimulation (HD-tDCS): Targeting Software
J. Med. Devices (June,2009)
Related Proceedings Papers
Related Chapters
Effects of Ultrasound Stimulation on Chondrocytes in Three-Dimensional Culture in Relation to the Production of Regenerative Cartilage Tissue
Biomedical Applications of Vibration and Acoustics in Therapy, Bioeffect and Modeling
Chick Embryo Limb Bud Cell Culture for Screening Environmental Contaminants
Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: Modeling and Risk Assessment Sixth Volume
Surface Analysis and Tools
Tribology of Mechanical Systems: A Guide to Present and Future Technologies