Physicochemical and structural analysis of three regions of the deep digital flexor tendon of pigs
Braz. j. morphol. sci
;
22(2): 113-119, Apr.-Jun. 2005. ilus, graf
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-418992
ABSTRACT
Few studies have discussed the relationship between the molecular organization and the physicochemical and biomechanical properties of pig tendons. In this work, we examined the extracellular matrix of the deep digital flexor tendon of pigs, which was subjected to tensional (proximal region) and compressive (distal and terminal regions) forces. The three regions of the tendon were used for swelling tests and their glycosaminoglycan content was determined. Longitudinal sections of the tendon were stained and observed using polarized light microscopy. The distal and terminal regions were swole more in water than the proximal region. After staining with toluidine blue the metachromasy was more intense in the distal and terminal regions, indicating an accumulation of proteoglycans in these regions. Analysis of the glycosaminoglycans by agarose gel electrophoresis showed that dermatan sulfate was present in all regions, whereas chondroitin sulfate occurred only in the regions of compression. The shape of the fibroblasts changed along the tendon rounded cells occurred in regions under compression, while in the region under tension, elongated cells predominated. The organization and distribution of the collagen bundles were different for each region. Birefringence analysis revealed a more regular crimp pattern in the region under tension than in the regions under compressive forces. The elastic fibers also showed a different distribution in each region. These results indicate that the regional differences in the structure and composition of the deep digital flexor tendon of pigs are related to the biomechanical properties of the tendon.
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Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Proteoglycans
/
Tendons
/
Collagen
/
Muscle Fibers, Skeletal
Limits:
Animals
Language:
English
Journal:
Braz. j. morphol. sci
Journal subject:
Anatomy
Year:
2005
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Brazil
Institution/Affiliation country:
Federal University of Sergipe/BR
/
Paulista State University/BR
/
State University of Campinas/BR
/
University of Araras/BR
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