ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: H-type vessels are mainly distributed in the metaphysis, which can promote the proliferation of osteocytes, further accelerating osteogenesis.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of H-type vessels in the subchondral bone during the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis.METHODS: 8-week-old C57 mice were randomly divided into experimental and sham groups, followed by the right medial menisectomy to establish the osteoarthritis models or only articular capsulotomy. The knee samples were removed at 4 weeks postoperatively, and were stained with safranin-O-fast green to evaluate the degree of injury. The expression levels of CD31, Emcn and matrix metalloproteinase 13 were detected by immunofluorescent staining. The changes of the subchondral bone were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and the changes of bone mass in the subchondral bone were analyzed by micro-CT.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the sham group, the Osteoarthritis Research Society International scores, expression levels of CD31, Emcn, H-type vessels and matrix metalloproteinase 13, as well as the bone mass in the subchondral bone were significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). To conclude, the increased H-type vessels in the subchondral bone promote the hyperplasia and remodeling of subchondral bone in the progression of osteoarthritis.