METHODS FOR MODULATING OSTEOCHONDRAL DEVELOPMENT USING BIOELECTRICAL STIMULATION
First Claim
1. A capacitively coupled bridge electrode comprising an electrode made of an anodized metal.
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Abstract
Compositions and methods are provided for modulating the growth, development and repair of bone, cartilage or other connective tissue. Devices and stimulus waveforms are provided to differentially modulate the behavior of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and other connective tissue cells to promote proliferation, differentiation, matrix formation or mineralization for in vitro or in vivo applications. Continuous-mode and pulse-burst-mode stimulation of cells with charge-balanced signals may be used. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by nitric oxide release through electrical stimulation and may be modulated through co-administration of NO donors and NO synthase inhibitors. Bone, cartilage and other connective tissue growth is stimulated in part by release of BMP-2 and BMP-7 in response to electrical stimulation to promote differentiation of cells. The methods and devices described are useful in promoting repair of bone fractures, cartilage and connective tissue repair as well as for engineering tissue for transplantation.
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15 Claims
- 1. A capacitively coupled bridge electrode comprising an electrode made of an anodized metal.
- 3. A system comprising cells and an electrical stimulator delivering a A-type signal or a B-type signal to the cells.
- 11. A kit for preparing a tissue suitable for transplantation comprising cells and an electrical stimulator providing an electrical stimulus waveform wherein the electrical stimulus waveform comprises a A-type, B-type, C-type or D-type signal wherein the waveform promotes proliferation, differentiation, or matrix production of the cells into a tissue suitable for transplantation.
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