Evaluation of cartilage, synovium and adipose tissue as cellular sources for osteochondral repair.

Osteochondral lesions are a major cause of pain and disability in several species including dogs, horses and human beings. The objective of this study was to assess three potential sources of canine cells for their osteochondral regenerative potential. Cartilage, synovium and adipose tissue cells were grown in pellet culture in chondrogenic or osteogenic media.

Variations in cell morphology in the canine cruciate ligament complex.

Cell morphology may reflect the mechanical environment of tissues and influence tissue physiology and response to injury. Normal cruciate ligaments (CLs) from disease-free stifle joints were harvested from dog breeds with a high (Labrador retriever) and low (Greyhound) risk of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture. Antibodies against the cytoskeletal components vimentin and alpha tubulin were used to analyse cell morphology; nuclei were stained with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and images were collected using conventional and confocal microscopy.

Type IX collagen interacts with fibronectin providing an important molecular bridge in articular cartilage.

Type IX collagen is covalently bound to the surface of type II collagen fibrils within the cartilage extracellular matrix. The N-terminal, globular noncollagenous domain (NC4) of the α1(IX) chain protrudes away from the surface of the fibrils into the surrounding matrix and is available for molecular interactions. To define these interactions, we used the NC4 domain in a yeast two-hybrid screen of a human chondrocyte cDNA library.

The organisation of elastin and fibrillins 1 and 2 in the cruciate ligament complex.

Although elastin fibres and oxytalan fibres (bundles of microfibrils) have important mechanical, biochemical and cell regulatory functions, neither their distribution nor their function in cruciate ligaments has been investigated. Twelve pairs of cruciate ligaments (CLs) were obtained from 10 adult dogs with no evidence of knee osteoarthritis. Elastic fibres were identified using Verhoeff's and Miller's staining.

Biomarkers of cartilage turnover. Part 1: Markers of collagen degradation and synthesis.

Type II collagen is a major component of articular cartilage and its breakdown is a key feature of osteoarthritis. Products of cartilage collagen metabolism can be detected in the blood, synovial fluid and urine. Several biomarker assays have been developed which can be used to measure the synthesis and degradation of collagen, and therefore provide information regarding cartilage turnover.