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Signalling molecule transport analysis in lacunar–canalicular system

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Abstract

Mechanical loading-induced fluid flow in lacunar–canalicular space (LCS) of bone excites osteocyte cells to release signalling molecules which initiate osteo-activities. Theoretical models considered canaliculi as a uniform and symmetrical space/channel in bone. However, experimental studies reported that canalicular walls are irregular and curvy resulting in inhomogeneous fluid motion which may influence the molecular transport. Therefore, a new mathematical model of LCS with curvy canalicular walls is developed to characterize cantilever bending-induced canalicular flow behaviour in terms of pore-pressure, fluid velocity, and streamlines. The model also analyses the mobility of signalling molecules involved in bone mechanotransduction as a function of loading frequency and permeability of LCS. Inhomogeneous flow is observed at higher loading frequency which amplifies mechanotransduction; nevertheless, it also promotes trapping of signalling molecules. The effects of shape and size of signalling molecules on transport behaviour are also studied. Trivially, signalling molecules larger in size and weight move slower as compared to molecules small in size and weight which validates the findings of the present study. The outcomes will ultimately be useful in designing better biomechanical exercise in combination with pharmaceutical agents to improve the bone health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, 303007, India

    Rakesh Kumar & Niti Nipun Sharma

  2. Department of Applied Mechanics, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, 211004, India

    Abhishek Kumar Tiwari

  3. Department of Mathematics, National Institute of Technology Uttarakhand, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, 246174, India

    Dharmendra Tripathi

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  1. Rakesh Kumar
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  2. Abhishek Kumar Tiwari
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Correspondence to Dharmendra Tripathi.

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Kumar, R., Tiwari, A.K., Tripathi, D. et al. Signalling molecule transport analysis in lacunar–canalicular system. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 19, 1879–1896 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10237-020-01314-7

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