Mechanisms Involved in Osteoblast Response to Implant Surface Morphology

Osteoblasts respond to surface topography with altered morphology, proliferation, and differentiation. The effects observed vary with cell culture model and the topographical features of the surface. In general, increased surface roughness is associated with decreased proliferation and increased differentiation. Cell responses to hormones, growth factors, and cytokines are altered as well, as is autocrine production of these factors. The cells interact with the surface via integrin receptors, and their expression is also surface roughness-dependent. Integrin binding to cell attachment proteins activates signal transduction cascades, including those mediated by protein kinase C and phospholipase A2. These signaling pathways are also used by regulatory factors, which results in synergistic responses. Prostaglandins are important mediators of the surface effects, and both constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase are involved.