Hydrostatic Pressure Influences HIF-1α Expression in Condylar Chondrocyte

Objectives: To investigate whether HIF-1α and its target genes (e.g. VEGF,COL1A2) were involved in the response of mandibular condylar chondrocytes（MCCs） to hydrostatic pressure(HP).
Methods: Rat MCCs were isolated and expanded in monolayer cultures and subjected to HP of 200 KPa for 1,2,4,8 and 12 h. The viability of MCCs, gene and protein expression of HIF-1α, VEGF and COL1A2 were evaluated after stimulation .
Results: The proliferation of MCCs was increased significantly by HP stimulation compared to the control group (P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α,VEGF and COL1A2 were significantly increased in a time-dependent manner, reached maximal levels at 4 h of 200 KPa(P<0.05).
Conclusions: HP may influence MCC proliferation and differentiation, inducing HIF-1α,VEGF, COL1A2 expression.