Chondroprotective effect of melatonin and strontium ranelate in animal model of osteoarthritis.

Purpose: To analyze the action of strontium ranelate (SR) and melatonin in isolation or in association in knees, liver and kidneys of rats Wistar with induced osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: Thirty male rats were induced to OA through an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and treated with melatonin and SR in isolation or in association. Morphological, histopathological, histochemical and morphometric analysis were realized of the structure of the articular capsule, as well as histopathological analysis of liver and kidneys from the animals.