The effects of frictional stimulation on mouse ear epidermis. I. Cell proliferation

Abstract

The mitotic response of mouse ear epidermis to a controlled frictional stimulus produced by a rotating brush was studied. A single application of friction resulted in an increased rate of cell proliferation judged by the number of colcemid arrested mitotic nuclei per unit length of epidermis. Maximum mitotic activity was found 48 hr after friction. Mitotic duration was apparently reduced in friction specimens. Daily application of friction for up to 35 days resulted in a high level of mitotic activity throughout the experimental period. The epidermal mitotic response to friction appears to be similar to the response to other forms of physical or chemical trauma.