Post-natal studies on the cell density and thickness of the articular cartilage of rabbit

ABSTRACT

A total number of 24 rabbits divided into 6 groups [at birth, 20, 40 60, 80 days and 6 months] was used in this work. The total and zonal cell density and cartilage thickness were measured at the femoral condyles. The total cell density was decreased rapidly during maturation and slowly at mature age. This reduction may attributed to interposition of matrix during maturation and cell degeneration and necrosis in adult age. The zonal cell density was decreased with increased distance from the joint surface. The total thickness of the articular cartilage was gradually decreased during maturation up to adult age. This reduction may be due to remodeling of the bone ends that accelerated with age. The zonal thickness was observed to decrease with the advancement of age, while within the same age, it was increased as the distance from the cartilage surface was increased. These variations were in direct proportional to the load and weight bearing as well as to the mechanical stress