Figure 3.
Strain and load vs. time for the four loading protocols. A) Load controlled to 0.1N B) Load controlled to 0.25N C) Load-controlled to 0.5N. D) Load initially controlled to 0.25N then unloaded at time of addition of collagenase; Load reapplied after 35 minutes to probe degradation of structural components. Load was the controlled variable and data is representative of one experiment. Arrows indicate time of addition of collagenase and point of failure of tissue (load can no longer be maintained).