Abstract
Objective—To demonstrate myofibroblasts in the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ie, distal check ligament) and deep digital flexor tendon of clinically normal foals.
Sample Population—Tissue specimens from 25 foals that were necropsied for reasons unrelated to this study and unrelated to musculoskeletal disease.
Procedure—The distal check ligament and deep digital flexor tendon of both forelimbs were examined histologically. Myofibroblasts were identified by immunohistochemical staining specific for alphasmooth muscle actin (α-SMA).
Results—Most of the cells in the distal check ligament and deep digital flexor tendon of all foals stained positive for α-SMA.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Myofibroblasts made up most of the cells in the distal check ligament and deep digital flexor tendon of clinically normal foals. These cells have contractile ability and therefore, may play a role in flexure contracture of these tendons. The ability of tetracycline to chelate calcium or decrease the expression of the contractile protein α-smooth muscle actin could inhibit the myofibroblasts' ability to contract, thus providing a rationale for tetracycline administration as a treatment of distal interphalangeal joint flexor deformity in foals. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62:823–827)
