The gastrocnemius tendon of domestic fowl: histological findings in different strains.
Vascular and histological studies were performed on normal gastrocnemius tendons from male birds considered susceptible (broiler breeding) and insusceptible (laying strain) to noninfectious tendon rupture. Structural differences between strains were noted at the site where rupture usually occurs. This site contains a hypovascular region which develops at an earlier age in broiler type fowls. Histological sections revealed that vessel occlusion had occurred in birds with hypovascular tendon segments. Chondrocytes and chondroid cells adjacent to occluded vessels accumulated lipid and died. This finding was particularly apparent in broiler fowls where cartilaginous plaques were larger and thicker than in laying strain fowls. The presence of occluded vessels, cartilage death and chondroid infiltration of collagen bundles in broiler type fowls are interpreted as structural changes which may predispose to noninfectious tendon rupture. Indeed they may also predispose to tendon lesions associated with pathogens.
D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D011200:Poultry / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D011201:Poultry Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply