Mechanical Stimulation via Muscle Activity Is Necessary for the Maturation of Tendon Multiscale Mechanics During Embryonic Development.

ABSTRACT: During embryonic development, tendons transform into a hypocellular tissue with robust tensile load-bearing capabilities. Previous work suggests that this mechanical transformation is due to increases in collagen fibril length and is dependent on mechanical stimulation via muscle activity. However, the relationship between changes in the microscale tissue structure and changes in macroscale tendon mechanics is still unclear. Additionally, the specific effect of mechanical stimulation on the multiscale structure-function relationships of developing tendons is also unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the changes in tendon mechanics and structure at multiple length scales during embryonic development with and without skeletal muscle paralysis. Tensile testing

SUBMITTER: Peterson BE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8446456 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature