Collagen ultrastructure in ruptured cruciate ligaments

The ultrastructure of collagen fibrils was investigated in normal (n 39) and ruptured (n 23) human anterior cruciate ligaments. The normal ligament had a complex three-dimensional structure. Collagen fibrils predominantly had a unidirectional course with parallel arrangement and a mean diameter of 75 (20-185) nm. Four days after anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the mean fibril diameter was increased; it later decreased, probably due to synthesis of young, thin 30-40 nm fibrils. Interfibrillar dysplastic collagen fibrils were detected in the extracellular matrix of ruptured ligaments. They were more frequently found later than 3 days after rupture and were seen also at a distance of 2-3 c…

Zum Aufbau der Epiphysenfuge im chronischen Vitamin-A-Mangel — eine histologische und morphometrische Studie an der proximalen Tibiaepiphyse

Vitamin A und analoge Substanzen (Retinoide) uben auf Wachstum und Differenzierung des Bewegungsapparates einen wesentlichen Einflus aus. In zahlreichen in vitro-Untersuchungen konnte gezeigt werden, das der Metabolismus von Chondrozyten und Osteoklasten durch toxische Vitamin A-Konzentrationen in komplexer Weise beeinflust wird [1]. Hingegen ist der physiologische Wirkungsmechanismus von Retinol bei der Wachstumsregulation des Knochens noch weitgehend unklar. Das Ziel der vorliegenden in vivo-Untersuchung war deshalb die morphologische Analyse der Epiphysenfuge an Ratten, wobei Tiere im chronischen Vitamin A-Mangel mit Kontrollen verglichen wurden.

Unterschiede im Erhaltungszustand zwischen vorderem und hinterem Kreuzband bei rheumatoider Arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) we examined the cruciate ligaments of 16 patients by the use of light- and transmission electron microscopy. Considerable differences between the anterior (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were observed. The ACL showed dramatic ultrastructural changes, against that the PCL was compact and well conserved. The preservation of PCL in joint surgery can morphologically be recommended. Perhaps the greater inflammatory process on the surface of ACL is responsible for the observed differences.

Funktionelle Anatomie und Physiologie der Lendenwirbelsäule und physiologische Alterungsprozesse

Die Wirbelsaule (Columna vertebralis) erfullt vielfaltige, teilweise gegensatzliche Funktionen. Diese lassen sich aus der Entwicklungsgeschichte des Achsenorgans und seiner Adaptation an die Bipedie des Menschen erklaren. Die Tetrapodenwirbelsaule ist primar an die quadrupede Korperhaltung angepasst. Nach dem Bogen-Sehnen-Prinzip ist die Wirbelsaule der Saugetierspezies durch einen dorsal gelegenen, gegliederten und mehr oder weniger stark kyphotisch gekrummten Stab reprasentiert (Kummer 1959). Dieser wird durch eine ventrale Bogensehne gespannt. Die Bogensehne wird durch die gerade und schrag verlaufende Bauchwandmuskulatur gebildet. Bei der bipeden Aufrichtung verliert die Bauchwandmuskul…

Cellular ultrastructure of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. A transmission electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study in 55 cases.

To evaluate the cellular ultrastructure following injury, we examined the anterior cruciate ligaments in 55 patients with complete tears in different phases after the injury and compared them to a control group of 39 cadaver knees. Samples were analyzed by electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and ultramorphometry. After an invasion of inflammatory cells into the stumps of the ruptured ligaments, a marked proliferation of fibroblasts was found at the end of Phase 1 (2-3 days after the ligament injury), that was even more pronounced at the beginning of Phase II (4-17 days). These cells were initially highly metabolically active and secreted Type III collagen precursors. In Phase III (4-45…

Crystalloid lysozyme inclusions in Paneth cells of vitamin A-deficient rats.

The effect of vitamin A-deficiency on jejunal Paneth cells in rats was investigated. Crystalloid particles were observed in secretion granules of Paneth cells from 6 out of 8 rats with vitamin A-deficiency. The particles were similar to those found in Paneth cells under other experimental conditions. Using an immuno-electron-microscopic technique we demonstrated a clear lysozyme immunoreactivity of these particles. In 2 vitamin A-deficient rats tubular structures have been detected in addition to the crystalloid particles. Crystalloid particles or tubular structures were not detectable in a control group of 8 vitamin A-supplemented rats. The morphological alterations of Paneth cells may be …

Crystalloid Lysozyme Inclusions in Paneth Cells of Vitamin A-Deficient Rats

The effect of vitamin A-deficiency on jejunal Paneth cells in rats was investigated. Crystalloid particles were observed in secretion granules of Paneth cells from 6 out of 8 rats with vitamin A-deficiency. The particles were similar to those found in Paneth cells under other experimental conditions. Using an immuno-electron-microscopic technique we demonstrated a clear lysozyme immunoreactivity of these particles. In 2 vitamin A-deficient rats tubular structures have been detected in addition to the crystalloid particles. Crystalloid particles or tubular structures were not detectable in a control group of 8 vitamin A-supplemented rats. The morphological alterations of Paneth cells may be …

Biochemical, morphological, and functional aspects of systemic and local vitamin A deficiency in the respiratory tract.

Correlative histologic and arthroscopic evaluation in rheumatoid knee joints.

The correlation between arthroscopic observations and histologic changes in rheumatoid arthritis is still controversial. Synovial samples of 21 knee joints in rheumatoid arthritis patients were comparatively investigated by endoscopy and histology. Biopsies were scored by an endoscopist and subsequently dissected. Different histochemical and immunocytochemical staining techniques were used to define inflammatory activity. Arthroscopic and histological values were compared by rating scales and variance analysis. Our study indicates that synovial biopsy is of diagnostic value in rheumatoid arthritis. However, its usefulness depends on the histochemical methods used. The results revealed highl…

Structure and Function of Matrix Components in the Cruciate Ligaments

In the present study, the matrix components of 100 cruciate ligaments were analyzed by conventional electron microscopy, immunohistology, morphometry, and immunoelectron microscopy. The anterior (ACL) and the posterior (PCL) cruciate ligaments contained collagen types III, IV, and VI. Several structural glycoproteins, like fibronectin, laminin, entactin, tenascin, and undulin were detected using monoclonal antibodies. Whereas laminin and entactin were higher concentrated in the PCL, type VI collagen was more frequently found in the ACL. The ACL had a critical nourishment in its distal and middle thirds. In all ligament parts the PCL revealed a better vascular supply with strong correlation …

Immunohistochemical Characterization of Human Synovial Bursa Cells by Light and Transmission Electron Microscopy: Where do These Cells Come From?

En el presente estudio se examinaron bolsas sinoviales humanas a traves de microscopia de luz y electronica de transmision. Para la microscopia de luz, el tejido de las bolsas se tino con Azan, H-E y anticuerpos monoclonales (CD14, CD33, CD36, CD68, laminina). Para la microscopia electronica las bolsas fueron fijadas con solucion de Karnovsky y tetroxido de osmio al 1,5% (Os04) en agua destilada y contrastada con acetato de uranilo al 5% y embebido en Epon®. En primera instada, el fenotipo antigenico fue caracterizado, concluyendose acerca del origen de las celulas que componen la bolsa sinovial. Histologicamente la bolsa fue dividida en dos capas distintas - la intima - la cual es formada …

The ultrastructure of articular cartilage of the chicken's knee joint

The articular cartilage and synovial membrane of immature and mature chicken knee joints were studied by light, scanning and transmission microscopy. The findings differed from human articular cartilage and we conclude that the chicken knee joint is not suitable as a model for human joint degeneration.

Faszikuläre und subfaszikuläre Architektur der Ligamenta cruciata

Morphologie der Kollagenfaszikel und Vaskularisationsdichte von vorderem und hinterem Kreuzband wurden durch kombinierte histologische, transmissions- und rasterelektronenmikroskopische, morphometrische und immunhistochemische Studien analysiert. Die Fibrillendurchmesser im vorderen Kreuzband lagen zwischen 20 und 155 nm (x=74 nm, s=18.8 nm) und im hinteren Kreuzband zwischen 20 und 175 nm (x=82 nm, s=25,4 nm). Kollagen Typ III und VI besasen ein diffuses Verteilungsmuster mit einem Maximum in der Ansatzzone der Bander. Der Kollagen-Typ-IV-Gehalt des vorderen Kreuzbandes war gering. Die Anzahl der Kreuzbandarteriolen zeigte ein charakteristisches Verteilungsmuster (vorderes Kreuzband: unter…

α-Lipoic acid reduces expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial adhesion of human monocytes after stimulation with advanced glycation end products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been identified as relevant mediators of late diabetic complications such as atherosclerotic disease. The endothelial migration of monocytes is one of the first steps in atherogenesis and monocyte-endothelial interaction itself is linked to the expression of adhesion molecules like vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Recently, stimulation of VCAM-1 by AGEs has been demonstrated. Since endothelial stimulation by AGEs is followed by generation of oxygen free radicals with subsequent activation of nuclear transcription factor kappaB, we investigated the influence of alpha-lipoic acid on the expression of VCAM-1 and monocyte adherence to endot…

Long-Term Administration of High Dose Vitamin A to Rats Does Not Cause Fetal Malformations: Macroscopic, Skeletal and Physicochemical Finds

A rat model was used to investigate whether high oral doses of vitamin A lead to fetal malformations and to what extent retinyl esters (RES) are transferred from the mother to the fetuses. Retinol and RES concentrations in plasma behave similarly in rats and humans. When high concentrations of vitamin A are administered, plasma retinol concentrations remain relatively constant, whereas plasma RES increased in parallel with the dose. To achieve an elevation from approximately 150 to > 1525 nmol x L(-1) in the experimental group before mating, female Ibm: RORO (spf) rats were fed a maintenance diet enriched with 15.2 x 10(3) retinol equivalents (RE) x kg(-1) at the start and increased stepwis…

Struktur und Funktion von kollagenen und nichtkollagenen Matrixkomponenten in der Knochen-Band-Übergangszone — eine immunhistochemische und immunelektronenmikroskopische Studie des Knochen- und Bandgewebes

Nach Alm und Stromberg (1974) kann die Knochen-Band-Ubergangszone in 4 verschiedene Zonen unterteilt werden (Abb. 1). Uber die Zusammensetzung und Komposition dieser zonalen Gruppen ist jedoch nur wenig bekannt. Ziel unserer Studie war daher die Detektion verschiedener Matrixproteine am Knoehen-Band-Ubergang.

Expression patterns of complex glycoconjugates and endogenous lectins during fetal development of the viscerocranium

Summary Experimental evidence suggests that carbohydrates and their corresponding receptors (endogenous lectins) decode biological information. Therefore, the expression of complex oligosaccharides — the potential ligand part of this recognition system — during chondrogenesis and osteogenesis was determined in the viscerocranium of fetal rats by mapping the staining patterns of exogenous lectins. Results were compared with the expression of bone- and/or cartilage-specific core proteins and the binding profiles of neoglycoconjugates. These synthetic tools make possible the localization of sugar-ligand-binding sites. The spatial and temporal distribution patterns of glycoconjugates were highl…

Distribution patterns in glycoconjugate expression during the development of the rat palate.

The distribution of complex carbohydrate structures during the embryonic development of the rat palate was analysed by examining lectin-binding patterns in serial paraffin and cryostat sections. With few exceptions, the binding patterns showed a general increase in lectin receptors in the more developed stages of palatogenesis. High mannose oligosaccharides were especially amplified during development. Terminal fucose molecules were not expressed. In contrast, terminal sialic acid molecules were ubiquitously distributed in epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. Non-sialylated terminal N-acetylglucosamine was specifically restricted to evolving bone matrix. Before palatal fusion, quantitative b…

Demonstration of endogenous lectins in synovial tissue.

We have recently shown that synoviocytes and extracellular matrices exhibit distinct patterns of carbohydrate expression. Their biological relevance is however not known. The purpose of the present study was to find out whether human synovial tissue would also show a specific receptor pattern for complex sugar molecules. Endogenous lectins were displayed by means of biotinylated neoglycoproteins and sulfated polysaccharides in paraffin-embedded material or cryosections. In addition to certain carbohydrate components that are known to be constituents of the carbohydrate part of cellular glycoconjugates, our panel included heparin and fucoidan, a sulfated fucose. Binding sites were shown usin…

Characterization of glycoconjugate expression during development of Meckel's cartilage in the rat

The staining patterns of 24 biotinylated lectins were analyzed in serial sections of the mandible of 13- to 21-day-old rat embryos by means of the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. A ubiquitous distribution of binding sites was demonstrated after incubation with Con A (Canavalia ensiformis), DSL (Datura stramonium; except bone matrix), and WGA (Triticum vulgare). ECL (Erythrina cristagalli), GSL I (Griffonia simplicifolia), SJA (Saphora japonica), VVL (Vicia villosa), DBA (Dolichus biflorus), UEA I (Ulex europeus), and LTA (Lotus tetragonobolus) were constantly negative. In early stages of development, GSL II (Griffonia simplicifolia II) was a selective marker of prechondral blastema. In con…

Establishment of a quantitative RT-pCR for detection of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 transcripts in endothelial cells after stimulation with advanced glycation endproducts.

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) are supposed to increase endothelial expression of adhesion molecules like vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by inducing an intracellular stress with subsequent activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappa-B. Quantitative analysis of VCAM-1-transcription has not been demonstrated concerning this topic. Thus, the aim of this study was to establish quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays using a spacer gene in order to measure the amounts of specific mRNA for VCAM-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) which were stimulated with AGE-albumin (AGE-BSA). A recombinant RNA-standard was synthesiz…

Bindungsstudien mit Ulex Europaeus Agglutinin I (UEA-I) am Gefäßendothel der Synovialmembran*

The lectin binding sites of the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis were investigated. It was shown that Ulex europaeus agglutinin is a constant marker of the vascular endothelium and is not induced during the course of inflammatory process in rheumatoid arthritis.

Funktionelle Anatomie des Fußes

Der menschliche Fus hat vielfaltige statische und dynamische Aufgaben zu erfullen. Sein besonderes Bauprinzip in Form der Bogenkonstruktion und Unterteilung in Langsgewolbe und Quergewolbe lasst ihn der Krafteinleitung einen federnden Widerstand entgegensetzen. Die in 3 Etagen gegliederten Verspannungssysteme durch Plantaraponeurose, Lig. plantare longum und Lig. calcaneonaviculare plantare arbeiten im Sinne einer Zuggurtung gegen die Last des Rumpfes. Mit allen Einzelkomponenten, den ossaren, artikularen, ligamentaren, muskularen und ubrigen Weichteilelementen und ihrem funktionellen Zusammenwirken wird der menschliche Fus seiner Verantwortung gerecht, die er mit der Aufrichtung in den bip…

Ultrastructural causes of rupture of hand tendons in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A transmission and scanning electron microscopic study.

To identify the cause of rupture of hand tendons in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, we studied the underlying ultrastructural changes of the collagenous fibril systems. Samples of the flexor digitorum superficialis (n = 12) and the extensor digitorum communis (n = 20) were taken during tenosynovectomy. Tendons dissected at necropsy (n = 30) served as controls. Specimens were analysed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Interfibrillar dysplastic fibrils, "Luse bodies", and intracellular collagen were found in rheumatoid tissues. The diameters of collagen fibrils were significantly reduced compared with the control group (p0.01). The duration of the disease usually correlate…

The influence of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) on the expression of human endothelial adhesion molecules.

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) possibly play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of macrovascular disease in diabetes. Recent studies could demonstrate that glycated albumin (AGE-BSA) was able to stimulate vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM.1) on endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to find out if AGE-BSA was not only able to enhance the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, but also of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-Selectin on human endothelial cells. Stimulation of endothelial cells with AGE-BSA for six hours predominantly increased the expression of VCAM-1, but ICAM-1 and E-Selectin were also upregulated as shown by immunoilluminometric a…

Vitamin A and ciliated cells I. Respiratory epithelia

To estimate the role of vitamin A on ciliated cells we investigated whether ciliated cells undergo any alteration during vitamin A deficiency. The epithelia examined include the ciliated cells of the respiratory tract and the ciliated sensory cells of the inner ear, the tongue, and the olfactory cells. This part of the paper will describe the ciliated epithelium of the tracheobronchial tract and its relation to vitamin A status. During vitamin A deficiency a partial loss of ciliae can be observed before any squamous metaplasia (which usually occurs during longer lasting vitamin A deficiency) develops. The scanning electron microscopic data illustrate the altered surface of the epithelium du…

Zur Heterogenität der Epiphysenfuge — eine morphologische Studie zur enchondralen Ossifikation der Tibia

Bei der chondralen Ossifikation des Epiphysenknorpels sezernieren die Chondrocyten zahlreiche differente Strukturmolekule, wie Kollagene, Lipide und Proteoglykane in die sie umgebende Extrazellularmatrix (Hinchcliffe u. Johnson 1983). Diese sollen in komplexer Weise an der Knochenmineralisation beteiligt sein (Eggli et al. 1985). Die sechs Zonen der Wachstumsfuge sind durch eine spezifische Morphologie charakterisiert. Bisher liegen nur wenige Untersuchungen vor, die die Verteilung von spezifischen Glykosaminoglykanstrukturen diesen Bereichen zuordnen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde versucht, das Bindungsverhalten von Neoglykoproteinen und Lektinen mit den konsekutiven Stadien der Knochen…

An ex vivo model of the rat trachea to study the effect of inhalable toxic compounds

Different cell culture and organ systems are used to evaluate the physiological responses of the airways to the effects of carcinogenic [e.g., benzo(a)pyrene] and anticarcinogenic (e.g., retinoids) compounds on cellular growth and differentiation. However, in contrast to in vivo conditions dissociated epithelial cells or tracheal ring cultures are covered with medium. Therefore, we developed an ex vivo perfusion model enabling evaluation of morphology and metabolism of different compounds under near-physiological conditions. The trachea was surrounded with culture medium and perfused with air by means of a small animal respirator. To test the viability of the system under various experiment…

072 Collagen gene expression and tenascin pattern in normal, osteoarthritic, and rheumatoid connective tissues

The extracellular matrix consists of four major components, namely collagens, elastin, proteoglyeans and glycoproteins. Collagens are important members of the ECM, forming a family of at least t 3 different structurally related proteins. Tenascin, synonymous with cytoactin, hexabrachion and J1, is a new member of matrix glycoproteins with a molecular mass of 1200 kD. It exhibits a "hexabrachion" structure with an ellipsoid central globule from which six arms of 75 nm in length diverge in a T-junction arrangement [1]. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) belongs to the group of connective tissue diseases. In contrast to abundant data about ECM-changes in systemic sclerodermia [2] the matrix alterations…

Distribution patterns of neoglycoprotein-binding sites (endogenous lectins) and lectin-reactive glycoconjugates during cartilage and bone formation in human finger.

The distribution of endogenous lectins, visualized by labelled neoglycoproteins, and of defined oligosaccharide structures, reactive with plant lectins, during fetal development of the fingers was analyzed in sections of human 3- to 8-month-old fetal specimens. Chondrogenesis as well as ossification were correlated with characteristic modulations in the expression of both glycoligand-binding molecules and characteristic carbohydrate structures. Occurrence of xylose-specific receptors was judged to be an early sign of cartilage development. Similarly, α-mannosyl residues that had been attached to labelled carrier proteins were strongly bound by the extracellular matrix already during early s…

Muskelveränderungen durch Saugdrainagen Eine rasterelektronenmikroskopische, transmissionselektronenmikroskopische, lichtmikroskopische und morphometrische Untersuchung an mit Drainagen behandelter Rückennmskulatur der Ratte (Rattus rattus)

In die Ruckenmuskulatur von 22 mannlichen, ausgewachsenen Wistar-Ratten wurde ein Drainagesystem eingelegt und die Wirkung des Unterdruckes auf die Muskulatur analysiert. Nach kurzester Liegezeit waren die Drainagesysteme durch ein Koagulat verschlossen. Im Unterschied zu den Kontrolltieren, bei denen sich lediglich Fibrin-Gerinnsel und Erythrozyten-Konglomerationen fanden, sahen wir im Rasterelektronenmikroskop bei den mit Unterdruck behandelten Tieren intakte Muskeln im Lumen der Drainage. Fibrin, Muskelfasern und Erythrozyten bildeten einen Verschluspfropf, der das funktioneile System der Saugdrainage unwirksam werden lies. Veranderungen in drainagefernen Muskelbezirken konnten lichtmikr…