Scientists from the Research Institute of the Children's Medical Center in Utah (CRI) studied a subset of the leptin + receptor cells (LEPR +), which produce osteolektin. Biologists have found that cells are exclusively around the arterilar blood vessels in the bone marrow and maintain nearby lymphoid predecessors, the synthesizing stem cell factor (SCF). Experiments took place on laboratory mice. Details are published in the Nature magazine.
Also, the team managed to find out that osteolektin-positive cells create a specialized niche for costhous and lymphoid predecessors around the arteriole. However, the number of cells decreases with age.
To check if the process can be wrapped, they put cross-country wheels in the cells of laboratory mice - and the animals were able to constantly train. It turned out, due to the constant load of the bone of rodents, they were strengthened, while the number of osteolektin-positive cells and lymphoid predecessors around the arteriol increased. It was the first sign that mechanical stimulation regulates niche in the bone marrow.
In addition, scientists have found that osteolektin-positive cells express the PIEZO1 receptor, which signals inside the cell in response to mechanical forces. When it was removed, animals weakened the bones and impaired immunity.
Thus, the team found out that the forces created when walking or running are transmitted by arterilar blood vessels into the bone marrow. This stimulates the costhaming cells and lymphocytes to proliferation and contributes to the strengthening of bones and immunity. At the same time, if they inactivate the ability of bone cells to respond to pressure caused by mechanical movement, the bones will become weaker, and the ability to resist infections will decrease.
Together, these data define a new way to strengthen bones and immune function with physical exercises. "Past studies have shown that training can improve bone strength and immunity. We were also able to find a mechanism, thanks to which this happens, "Sean Morrison, director of CRI and a researcher from the Medical Institute Howard Hughes.
Source: Naked Science