[Age-related changes in light microscopy with Sirius red technique in rat Achilles tendon].

Objectives: In this study, age-related morphological changes in intact rat Achilles tendon was investigated.

Materials And Methods: Thirty Wistar albino rats of 2-3 weeks, six months and 12 months old groups 10 animal in each group were examined with Sirius red light microscobic staining.

Results: The Sirius red light microscobic staining revealed that red stained collagen fibers have a decreased waviness with more rounded appearence of tenocyte nuclei, extracellular matrix along a increased vascularity and the number of tenocytes decreased with age was statistically meaningfull.

Conclusion: The possible causes of the spontaneously Achilles tendon rupture in adult ages group was investigated with Sirius red light microscopic technique. In this age group, initiation of the degenerative changes are decreasing the elasticity thus function of this tendon.