An enzymatically induced structural transformation in articular cartilage. Its significance with respect to matrix breakdown.
It was demonstrated in this study that the 3-dimensional, "pseudo-random" architecture of collagen in the general matrix of normal cartilage can be transformed enzymatically into a radial array of fibril aggregates or fibers. By first degrading the proteoglycans and then attacking the collagen, it is possible to produce a collagenous structure almost identical to that observed in matrices exhibiting both nonprogressive softening and osteoarthritic changes, and in matrices subjected to dynamic overloading. This structural transformation is explained as a breakdown in the fibril interlinking system.
Broom
N D
ND
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002417:Cattle; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003012:Microbial Collagenase / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014357:Trypsin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D006821:Hyaluronoglucosaminidase; D014357:Trypsin; D003012:Microbial Collagenase