Chondroprotective role of the osmotically sensitive ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 4: age- and sex-dependent progression of osteoarthritis in Trpv4-deficient mice.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Mechanical loading significantly influences the physiology and pathology of articular cartilage, although the mechanisms of mechanical signal transduction are not fully understood. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca(++)-permeable ion channel that is highly expressed by articular chondrocytes and can be gated by osmotic and mechanical stimuli. The goal of this study was to determine the role of Trpv4 in the structure of the mouse knee joint and to determine whether Trpv4(-/-) mice exhibit altered Ca(++) signaling in response to osmotic challenge.

Methods

Knee joints of Trpv4(-/-) mice were examined histologically and by microfocal computed tomography for osteoarthritic changes and bone structure at ages 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. Fluorescence imag

SUBMITTER: Clark AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3027356 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature