Effect of mechanical strain on human limbal epithelial cells in vitro

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the mechanical cyclic strain on the extracellular matrix (ECM) production by cultivated human limbal epithelial cells (HLECs) in vitro. METHODS: HLECs were repetitively stretched and relaxed by 20% of their original length. Morphology of HLECs was observed, and concentrations of fibronectin and laminin V were measured. RESULTS: The strained HLECs were elongated and aligned perpendicular to the direction of force. Fibronectin and laminin V were highly expressed in the strain group compared with the control. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclic strain induces the synthesis of fibronectin and laminin V in cultivated HLECs.