Decrease in the numbers of mechanoreceptors in rabbit ACL: the effects of ageing.
It is proposed that there is a positive correlation between the numbers of mechanoreceptors and proprioceptive function. On the other hand, normal aging process is associated with deficits in proprioception. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that aging resulted in decreased numbers of mechanoreceptors. Anterior cruciate ligaments of 14 male rabbits (2 months, n=5; 12 months, n=4 and 60 months, n=5) were extracted and the total numbers of Ruffini, Pacini and Golgi tendon-like receptors were accounted. As a result, the numbers of mechanoreceptors, especially Ruffini receptors, decreased with aging (p<0.05). Increased age was associated with changes in the morphology of mechanoreceptors. In conclusion, aging results in both diminished numbers and changed morphology of mechanoreceptors.
Aydoğ
Sedat Tolga
ST
Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, 06100 Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey. taydog@hacettepe.edu.tr
Korkusuz
Petek
P
Doral
Mahmut Nedim
MN
Tetik
Onur
O
Demirel
Haydar Ali
HA
D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000294:innervation*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D017612:Gold Compounds; D008297:Male; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D023421:Models, Animal; D010141:Pacinian Corpuscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology; D011817:Rabbits
D004396:Coloring Agents; D017612:Gold Compounds; C038016:gold chloride