Fluid shear stress inhibits TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis in osteoblasts: A role for fluid shear stress‐induced activation of PI3‐kinase and inhibition of caspase‐3

In bone, a large proportion of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for deposition of new bone, normally undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Because mechanical loading of bone increases the rate of new bone formation, we hypothesized that mechanical stimulation of osteoblasts might increase their survival. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of fluid shear stress (FSS) on ost…