Differences in proliferative rate and collagen lattice contraction between endotenon and synovial fibroblasts.
Injured and surgically repaired tendons heal with the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue represents 1 of the most unpredictable factors contributing to postoperative morbidity. The main cell involved in scar formation is the fibroblast. The relative activity of fibroblasts from the fibro-osseous sheath (the tissue surrounding the tendon in zone II) and the endotenon (the core of the tendon) with respect to proliferation and the ability to contract a collagen lattice were compared in vitro. The fibroblasts derived from the fibro-osseous sheath were more active in both these respects. In addition, the amount of matrix metalloproteinase activity was found to be greater for the fibro-osseous sheath fibroblasts, implying a greater capacity to degrade and disorganize connective tissue and thus migrate. These results imply that the fibro-osseous fibroblasts represent a more active population of cells compared with endotenon fibroblasts, and perhaps should be specifically targeted in future modes of therapy.
Khan
U
U
Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University College London, Rayne Institute, UK.
Occleston
N L
NL
Khaw
P T
PT
McGrouther
D A
DA
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000166:cytology; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000166:cytology*; D013710:Tendons / Q000166:cytology*; D014945:Wound Healing
D003094:Collagen; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases