ABSTRACT
[Objective] This study examined the distribution and the expression of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) in the ligamentum teres of children with developmental dislocation of the hip (DDH) and normal persons in order to investigate the roles of PDGF-A in hip joint laxity. [Methods]There were six pairs of joint laxity of children with DDH and normal children (control group) matched to gender and age. Immunohistochemistry (SP method) method was used to detect the location and distribution of the PDGF-A in the ligamentum teres,and to semi-quantify their content.Semiquantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect the PDGF-A in the ligamentum teres at mRNA level. The quantitative analysis of the PDGF-A was performed by professional image software and the results were analyzed with standard statistical methods.[Results]High density expression was observed in the synovial layer with fibroblast regularly arranged parallel to the joint surface in the ligamentum teres. PDGF-A distribution was decreased in the fibrous layer of the ligamentum teres. There were significant differences in the percentage of positive fibroblast and gray-scale density in the fibrous layer between DDH group and control group (P