Identification of the metalloproteinase stromelysin in the physis.

For long bone growth to occur, calcification of the matrix must commence in the lower hypertrophic zone of the growth plate. It is generally accepted that physeal proteoglycans help regulate mineralization, and that at least in vitro, intact proteoglycans can inhibit mineralization. Thus degradation of proteoglycan may be a necessary step prior to calcification.

Weight-bearing alters the expression of collagen types I and II, BMP 2/4 and osteocalcin in the early stages of distraction osteogenesis.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of loading on the biology of newly forming bone during limb lengthening. Unilateral 2.0 mm femoral lengthenings were performed in 20 male Sprague Dawley rats.

Homology of lubricin and superficial zone protein (SZP): products of megakaryocyte stimulating factor (MSF) gene expression by human synovial fibroblasts and articular chondrocytes localized to chromosome 1q25.

We have previously identified megakaryocyte stimulating factor (MSF) gene expression by synovial fibroblasts as the origin of lubricin in the synovial cavity. Lubricin is a mucinous glycoprotein responsible for the boundary lubrication of articular cartilage. MSF has a significant homology to vitronectin and is composed of 12 exons.

Articular collagen degradation in the Hulth-Telhag model of osteoarthritis.

Objective: This study employed immunohistochemistry to investigate the pattern of type II collagen (CII) degradation in an acute injury model of osteoarthritis. It was hypothesized, based on previous studies of primary osteoarthritis (OA), that the worst areas of CII degradation would be located in the superficial and upper middle zones of the articular cartilage, with staining extending into the deep zone as the OA became more severe.

Design: In this model of secondary OA, rabbits were made osteoarthritic by transecting the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and removing the meniscus.