Alterations in the Achilles tendon after inflammation in surrounding tissue.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the characteristics of the Achilles tendon of rats after induction of localized inflammation in the rat paw.


METHODS
IN OUR STUDY THREE GROUPS WERE USED: inflamed group with carrageenan in rat paw (G1); saline group (G2) and control group (G3). After 4 hours the animals were euthanized and the Achilles tendon removed.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in the analysis of non-collagenous proteins, glycosaminoglycans and hydroxyproline in the groups but a tendency of reduction was verified in G1. As regards the organization of collagen molecules, no differences were observed between groups. With respect to MMPs activity, a stronger presence of the active isoform of MMP-2 in G1 was observed, suggesting that the remodeling was occurring.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, we conclude that the inflammatory process in rat paw may affect the remodeling of tendons located near the inflamed site. Level of Evidence I, Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.
Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Biology Institute, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Cristiano Pedrozo
CP
Vieira
Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Biology Institute, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Flávia da Ré
Fda R
Guerra
Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Biology Institute, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Letícia Prado
LP
de Oliveira
Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Biology Institute, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Marcos Dos Santos
Mdos S
de Almeida
Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Biology Institute, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Edson Rosa
ER
Pimentel
Achilles tendon/injuries; Carrageenan; Inflammation