Histopathological and ultrastructural observation of the supraspinal ligaments in ankylosing spondylitis / 中华风湿病学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the histopathological and ultrastructural changes of the supraspinal ligaments in ankylosing spondylitis (AS).Methods The supraspinal ligaments were stained with HE,Sirius Red/saturated carbazotic acid and then observed nuder microscope,electyonic scanning microscope and transmission electron microscope respectively.The density of blood vessel and collagen fibril were analy-zed.Statistical analysis was carried out by using t test.Results In the AS group,under the microscope,the arrangement of in collagen fibers was in chaos,and hyalinosis,fatty infiltration could be seen.Vascular proliferation was predominant.Collagen-Ⅲ expression could be detected in this group.Under electron microscope,the distribution of collagen fibril was sparse,and the periodic strita was indistinct,the matrix was degraded,and some matrix vesicle could be seen.While in the control group,orderly arrangd collagen fibrils could be seen,and no change of blood vessels could be seen.The density of vascular structures in the AS group was (6.8±0.7)/HP,and (1.0±0.4)/HP of the control group.The density of collagen fibrils in the AS group was (122±22)/μm2,and that of the control group was (218±10)/μm2,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion A series of histopathological changes have occurred in the supraspinal ligaments in AS patients.