Cyclic mechanical stretch induces CREB activation in alveolar epithelial cells

Einleitung: Cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS) is an important physiological process in the lung. The strain during breathing affects cell behavior and intracellular signal transduction. Methoden: In order to mimic breathing, alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were seeded on flexible silicon membranes and stimulated with CMS (0.25 Hz; 16% surface distension) up to 24 hours. In comparison to static controls, oxidative stress and the activation of various protein kinases as well as the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were determined by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and Wes…