Klement B J, Spooner B S
Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-4901.
J Cell Biochem. 1993 Mar;51(3):252-6. doi: 10.1002/jcb.240510303.
Bioreactor cell and tissue culture vessels can be used to study bone development in a simulated microgravity environment. These vessels will also provide an advantageous, low maintenance culture system on space station Freedom. Although many types of cells and tissues can potentially utilize this system, our particular interest is in developing bone tissue. We have characterized an organ culture system utilizing embryonic mouse pre-metatarsal mesenchyme, documenting morphogenesis and differentiation as cartilage rods are formed, with subsequent terminal chondrocyte differentiation to hypertrophied cells. Further development to form bone tissue is achieved by supplementation of the culture medium. Research using pre-metatarsal tissue, combined with the bioreactor culture hardware, could give insight into the advantages and/or disadvantages of conditions experienced in microgravity. Studies such as these have the potential to enhance understanding of bone development and adult bone physiology, and may help define the processes of bone demineralization experienced in space and in pathological conditions here on earth.
生物反应器细胞和组织培养容器可用于在模拟微重力环境中研究骨骼发育。这些容器还将为“自由号”空间站提供一个有利的、低维护的培养系统。尽管许多类型的细胞和组织都有可能利用这个系统，但我们特别感兴趣的是开发骨组织。我们已经对一种利用胚胎小鼠前跖间充质的器官培养系统进行了表征，记录了软骨棒形成过程中的形态发生和分化，随后终末软骨细胞分化为肥大细胞。通过补充培养基可实现进一步发育形成骨组织。使用前跖组织的研究，结合生物反应器培养硬件，可深入了解微重力环境的优缺点。此类研究有可能增进对骨骼发育和成年骨生理学的理解，并可能有助于确定在太空和地球上的病理条件下所经历的骨质脱矿过程。
