Exercise induced mechano-sensing and Substance P mediated bone modeling in Atlantic salmon

► We have investigated how the Atlantic salmon vertebra responds to exercise induced mechanical load. ► Exercise activate osteoblasts and osteocytes and increases expression of genes involved in osteoid production. ► Substance P was identified as a key component in bone cell activation upon mechanical load. ► We suggest that an alternative autocrine pathway is involved in mechano-sensing and bone modeling in bone lacking the canalaculi system.