The responses of nucleus pulposus cells to pressure and ultrasound stimulation.

A cellular stimulation device with a pressurized chamber is developed to investigate the effect of ultrasound and pressure fluctuation on nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The pressurized chamber is designed to emulate the in vivo environment of intervertebral discs, which are under dynamic pressure, and to emulate impact during sports and exercise. Both hydrostatic pressure and ultrasound stimulation increase phosphorylation of ERK (pERK) in NP cells, and promote its translocation into nucleus. This increase in pERK levels might be activated through calcium signaling pathways as intracellular calcium in NP cells was strongly elevated by pressure changes.