Figure 7.

Extracellular matrix composition. All bar graphs, mean ± SEM, n = 8, *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, white: post-mortem, black: post-stimulation samples (after 48 h). ECM content (s-GAG, collagen, and elastin) quantified with colorimetric assays is presented in microgram per milligram dry weight. (a) s-GAG content increases after the 30% cyclic strain treatment. (b) Sircol colorimetric assay demonstrates that static incubation at 0% strain resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in acid–pepsin soluble collagen, whereas a significant increase is observed at the 30% hyper-physiological strain level. (c) A significant decrease in elastin content is observed at the hyper-physiological strain level. (Online version in colour.)