Figure 7. Strain induces proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts.

As described in Methods, equal numbers of HGF were seeded into plates containing collagen type I-coated membranes, and were treated with or without mechanical strain for 72 hours. Cells were harvested, and subjected to the MTT assay of cell metabolism, an indirect method of detecting cell proliferation, as described in methods. Cells were treated in the presence or absence of DMSO, the ALK5 inhibitor SB431542, PP2, blebbistatin or the ETA/B receptor antagonist PD145065, as indicated. Data shown are the average value from three independent individuals (6 replicates per experiment) ±SE. ** = p<0.01.