title: Three dimensional microstructural network of elastin, collagen, and cells in Achilles tendons.
abstract: Similar to most biological tissues, the biomechanical, and functional characteristics of the Achilles tendon are closely related to its composition and microstructure. It is commonly reported that type I collagen is the predominant component of tendons and is mainly responsible for the tissue's function. Although elastin has been found in varying proportions in other connective tissues, previous studies report that tendons contain very small quantities of elastin. However, the morphology and the microstructural relationship among the elastic fibres, collagen, and cells in tendon tissue have not been well examined. We hypothesize the elastic fibres, as another fibrillar component in the extracellular matrix, have a unique role in mechanical function and microstructural arrangement in Achilles tendons. It has been shown that elastic fibres present a close connection with the tenocytes. The close relationship of the three components has been revealed as a distinct, integrated and complex microstructural network. Notably, a "spiral" structure within fibril bundles in Achilles tendons was observed in some samples in specialized regions. This study substantiates the hierarchical system of the spatial microstructure of tendon, including the mapping of collagen, elastin and tenocytes, with 3-dimensional confocal images. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1203-1214, 2017.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, 3D Imaging and Bioengineering Laboratory, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia.
authors.forename: Xin
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Pang
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, 3D Imaging and Bioengineering Laboratory, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia.
authors.forename: Jian-Ping
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: The School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Garry T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Allison
authors.affiliation: The School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Jiake
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania.|School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rubenson
authors.affiliation: Centre for Orthopaedic Research, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Ming-Hao
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.affiliation: Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: David G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gardiner
authors.affiliation: Centre for Orthopaedic Research, School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Western Australia, Australia.|St John of God Hospital, Western Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, 3D Imaging and Bioengineering Laboratory, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia.
authors.forename: Thomas Brett
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Kirk
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology*; D000818:Animals; D004547:Elastic Tissue; D004549:Elastin; D005109:Extracellular Matrix; D024022:Fibrillar Collagens; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D011817:Rabbits; D000070916:Tenocytes
chemical_list: D024022:Fibrillar Collagens; D004549:Elastin
keywords: 3-dimensional; Achilles tendon; collagen; confocal and SHG microscopy; elastin