Effects of mechanical loading on the expression of pleiotrophin and its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta in a rat spinal deformity model

Cytokine. 2016 Feb:78:7-15. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.11.017. Epub 2015 Nov 23.

Abstract

Mechanical loading of the spine is a major causative factor of degenerative changes and causes molecular and structural changes in the intervertebral disc (IVD) and the vertebrae end plate (EP). Pleiotrophin (PTN) is a growth factor with a putative role in bone remodeling through its receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTPβ/ζ). The present study investigates the effects of strain on PTN and RPTPβ/ζ protein expression in vivo. Tails of eight weeks old Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to mechanical loading using a mini Ilizarov external apparatus. Rat tails untreated (control) or after 0 degrees of compression and 10°, 30° and 50° of angulation (groups 0, I, II and III respectively) were studied. PTN and RPTPβ/ζ expression were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. In the control group, PTN was mostly expressed by the EP hypertrophic chondrocytes. In groups 0 to II, PTN expression was increased in the chondrocytes of hypertrophic and proliferating zones, as well as in osteocytes and osteoblast-like cells of the ossification zone. In group III, only limited PTN expression was observed in osteocytes. RPTPβ/ζ expression was increased mainly in group 0, but also in group I, in all types of cells. Low intensity RPTPβ/ζ immunostaining was observed in groups II and III. Collectively, PTN and RPTPβ/ζ are expressed in spinal deformities caused by mechanical loading, and their expression depends on the type and severity of the applied strain.

Keywords: Deformities; End plate; Intervertebral disc; Mechanical loading; Pleiotrophin; Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Chondrocytes / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • External Fixators
  • Intervertebral Disc / metabolism*
  • Necrosis
  • Osteoblasts / metabolism
  • Osteocytes / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 5 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Spine / abnormalities*
  • Spine / cytology
  • Spine / metabolism*
  • Stress, Mechanical*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • pleiotrophin
  • Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Class 5