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Abstract
Objective
To determine the effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on the synthesis of DNA, collagen, and proteoglycans (PG) by equine chondrocytes.
Sample Population
Articular cartilage obtained from multiple joints of a 4-month-old foal.
Procedure
Chondrocytes were isolated by collagenase digestion, cultured in monolayer, trypsinized, and implanted at a cellular density of 10 × 106 chondrocytes/ml in a three-dimensional fibrin matrix. Chondrocytes in culture were supplemented with TGF-β1 at concentrations of 0, 1, 5, or 10 ng/ml in serum-free medium or medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS). Total PG accumulation, [35S]-labeled PG synthesis, PG monomer hydrodynamic size, type II collagen production, total DNA content, and [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA were determined at 7 and 14 days of culture.
Results
Chondrocytes maintained a rounded phenotype, dedifferentiating slightly to a more fibroblastic appearance only in medium containing FBS and 10 ng of TGF-β1/ml. Type II collagen immunoreaction on day 14 was decreased in the pericellular matrix in cultures containing FBS and 1, 5, and 10 ng of TGF-β1/ml, and in all serum-free culture conditions compared to FBS and 0 ng of TGF-β1/ml. Total proteoglycan accumulation and [35S]-labeled proteoglycan synthesis in cultures on days 7 and 14 were increased by the addition of exogenous TGF-β1 in serum-free conditions and decreased by TGF-β1 in FBS-supplemented conditions. Calculation of the partition coefficients for PG indicated that there was synthesis of low molecular weight PG in serum-free conditions and larger sized proteoglycans in FBS-supplemented conditions. Proteoglycan molecular size was unchanged by the addition of TGF-β1. Total DNA content of chondrocytes increased with the addition of TGF-β1 in FBS-supplemented conditions and decreased in serum-free conditions.
Conclusions
In a solid three-dimensional fibrin matrix, the effects of TGF-β1 on chondrocyte biological activity depend on the culture duration and on the presence of FBS in the medium. Stimulatory effects of TGF-β1 were most pronounced in serum-free culture conditions with high concentration of TGF-β1 (5 and 10 ng/ml) on day 7 and with low concentration of TGF-β1 (1 ng/ml) on day 14.
Clinical Relevance
TGF-β1 may not be a suitable growth factor for enhancement of equine articular grafting in sites exposed to serum. (Am J Vet Res 1997;58:66–70)
Abstract
Objective—To determine molecular changes in the expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in horses with osteochondrosis, and to characterize expression of matrix aggrecan and collagen types I, II, and X in articular cartilage of affected joints.
Sample Population—Articular cartilage from affected stifle or shoulder joints of 11 horses with naturally acquired osteochondrosis and corresponding joints of 11 clinically normal horses.
Procedure—Harvested specimens were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, and total RNA was isolated. Specimens were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for histologic examinations. Expression of matrix molecules was assessed by analysis of northern blots and in situ hybridization, using equine-specific cDNA probes and riboprobes, respectively. Expression of IGF-I and TGF-β1 was assessed by use of noncompetitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical analysis.
Results—Cartilage obtained from osteochondrosis lesions had significantly greater expression of IGF-I, compared with normal cartilage. Expression of TGF- β1 and collagen type I were higher, but not significantly so, in affected tissues. Expression of aggrecan or collagen types II and X did not differ between affected and clinically normal cartilage.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Increased expression of growth factors and collagen type I was found in cartilage from osteochondrosis lesions. However, this probably reflects a healing response to injured tissue rather than a primary alteration. Therefore, methods aimed at altering concentrations of growth factors in cartilage of growing horses would be unlikely to alter the incidence or progress of the disease. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62:1088–1094)
Summary
Physical, biochemical, and cytologic properties of synovial fluid from digital flexor tendon sheaths of clinically normal horses were investigated. Tendon sheath fluid was pale yellow, clear, and did not clot. Volume of fluid within a tendon sheath varied minimally, with a mean of 2.11 ml. Total erythrocyte counts were higher than values observed in normal equine joint fluid, whereas values for total leukocyte count (770 ± 73 cells/mm3), viscosity (6.05 ± 0.58 cs), and protein concentration (7.87 ± 0.03 mg/ml) were similar to those in joint fluid. Large mononuclear cells were the predominant synovial fluid cell type. Mean hyaluronic acid concentration (0.74 ± 0.02 mg/ml) and mucinous precipitate quality were lower than values in joint fluid.
Abstract
Objectives—To define a portion of the nucleotide sequences of each of the 6 insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins (IGFBPs) in horses and describe patterns of messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression for IGFBPs in normal equine tendons.
Animals—7 horses.
Procedure—Total RNA was extracted from the tensile region of normal superficial digital flexor tendons and reverse transcribed into complimentary DNA (cDNA). The cDNA was amplified via PCR, and products representing portions of each IGFBP were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequences were used to deduce the amino acid sequences, and both nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences were compared with those published for bovine, human, mouse, and ovine IGFBPs. Gene expression was quantitated by real-time PCR assay, and protein expression was evaluated by western ligand blot (WLB).
Results—Clones ranged in size from 262 to 522 bp and had high degrees of sequence homology with other mammalian species. Sequence homology was highest between bovine and equine IGFBPs (86% to 95%) and amongst the IGFBP-5 sequences from the various species (92% to 95%). Message for IGFBP-2 to -6, but not IGFBP-1, was expressed in normal tendon. Protein expression for IGFBP-2, -3, and -4 was detected by WLB in normal tendon and markedly increased in damaged tendons.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results provide basic information and tools needed for further characterization of the role of the IGF system in tendon healing and may lead to the ability to potentiate the response of healing tendon to exogenous IGF-I via concurrent manipulation of IGFBPs. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:300–306)
Abstract
Objective—To clone the 5' end of type III collagen and describe its pattern of mRNA and protein expression in normal and healing tendons in horses.
Animals—14 healthy adult horses.
Procedure—The tensile region of collagenase-injured superficial digital flexor tendons was harvested at intervals from 1 to 24 weeks after injury. Total RNA was reverse-transcribed into cDNA for cloning and sequencing of type III collagen. Equine-specific nucleic acid probes were developed and used for northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. Type III collagen protein and cyanogen bromide-cleaved collagen peptides were assessedby gel electrophresis.
Results—Type III collagen mRNA expression and protein content increased immediately after injury and remained increased. Type III collagen was localized to the endotenon in normal tendon and in injured tendon at 1 week. At 8 and 24 weeks, expression became more widely distributed throughout the tendon parenchyma. Injured tendon contained 6 times more type I than type III collagen mRNA. Quantities of type III collagen protein were maximal in the first 4 weeks after injury (approx 33%) and then began to decrease.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Type III collagen expression is increased initially in endotenon and subsequently in parenchyma of healing tendon; however, type III remains the minor collagen throughout the healing process. The role of type III collagen in tendon healing is not fully elucidated. (Am J Vet Res 2005;66:266–270)
Abstract
Objective
To compare chondrocyte proliferation and metabolism in three-dimensional fibrin cultures formed from polymerized autogenous fibrinogen with that of commercially manufactured fractionated fibrinogen.
Animals
Fibrinogen and chondrocytes for in vitro experimentation derived from 2 horses, ages 12 and 14 months, donated for reasons unrelated to skeletal or hematologic abnormalities.
Procedure
Fibrinogen was isolated from whole blood, using plasma cryoprecipitation and centrifugation, and fractionated fibrinogen was purchased. Each was mixed with 10 × 106 chondrocytes/0.5 ml of fibrinogen, and was polymerized by addition of 0.5 ml of calcium-activated thrombin. Thirty 1-ml fibrin-chondrocyte disks were formed from each fibrinogen source and cultured for 0 (n = 6), 7 (n = 12), or 14 (n = 12) days. Chondrocyte metabolism and cell proliferation in each fibrin type were objectively assessed by assays for total proteoglycan content, [35S]proteoglycan accumulation, proteoglycan monomer size, and total DNA. Cell morphology and cartilage-specific cell function was evaluated by routine histologic, alcian blue histochemical, type-II collagen immunohistochemical, and type-II collagen in situ hybridization methods.
Results
Histologic examination indicated better retention of chondrocyte morphology in autogenous composites. Autogenous fibrinogen also stimulated greater chondrocyte proliferation (DNA content increased 1.4-fold on day 14) and supported higher proteoglycan accumulation (increased 1.4-fold on day 14), compared with commercial, fractionated fibrinogen. Abundant intracellular type-II procollagen mRNA was detected in autogenous fibrin cultures by in situ hybridization, and translation was confirmed by extensive pericellular type-II collagen accumulation.
Conclusions
Autogenous fibrinogen has an inherent capacity to maintain chondrocyte phenotypic metabolism that is reduced or absent in commercially prepared fibrinogen. Enhanced, differentiated cell function may be useful for in vivo applications, but represents an added variable that may confound in vitro experiments, and should be considered when designing studies of chondrocyte function. (Am J Vet Res 1998;59:514–520)
Abstract
Objective—To assess the potential of adipose-derived nucleated cell (ADNC) fractions to improve tendon repair in horses with collagenase-induced tendinitis.
Animals—8 horses.
Procedures—Collagenase was used to induce tendinitis in the superficial digital flexor tendon of 1 forelimb in each horse. Four horses were treated by injection of autogenous ADNC fractions, and 4 control horses were injected with PBS solution. Healing was compared by weekly ultrasonographic evaluation. Horses were euthanatized at 6 weeks. Gross and histologic evaluation of tendon structure, fiber alignment, and collagen typing were used to define tendon architecture. Biochemical and molecular analyses of collagen, DNA, and proteoglycan and gene expression of collagen type I and type III, decorin, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and insulin-like growth factor-I were performed.
Results—Ultrasonography revealed no difference in rate or quality of repair between groups. Histologic evaluation revealed a significant improvement in tendon fiber architecture; reductions in vascularity, inflammatory cell infiltrate, and collagen type III formation; and improvements in tendon fiber density and alignment in ADNC-treated tendons. Repair sites did not differ in DNA, proteoglycan, or total collagen content. Gene expression of collagen type I and type III in treated and control tendons were similar. Gene expression of COMP was significantly increased in ADNC-injected tendons.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—ADNC injection improved tendon organization in treated tendons. Although biochemical and molecular differences were less profound, tendons appeared architecturally improved after ADNC injection, which was corroborated by improved tendon COMP expression. Use of ADNC in horses with tendinitis appears warranted.
Abstract
Objective—To determine the morphologic and phenotypic effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) on cultured equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and articular chondrocytes.
Sample Population—Bone marrow aspirates and articular cartilage samples from a 2-year-old and two 8- month-old horses.
Procedure—After initial isolation and culture, MSC and chondrocytes were cultured in Ham's F-12 medium supplemented with TGF-β1 at a concentration of 0, 1, 5, or 10 ng/ml. Medium was exchanged on day 2, and cells were harvested on day 4. Medium was assayed for proteoglycan (PG) content. Total RNA was isolated from cell cultures, and expression of aggrecan, decrin, collagen type-I, and collagen type-II mRNA was assessed by means of Northern blot analyses. Cell cultures were stained with H&E or toluidine blue and examined histologically. Additional cultures were examined after immunohistochemical staining for type-I and -II collagen.
Results—MSC cultures exposed to TGF-β1 had an increased cellular density with cell layering and nodule formation that was most pronounced in cultures treated with 5 ng of TGF-β1/ml. Expression of collagen type-II mRNA in MSC cultures exposed to 5 ng of TGF- β1/ml was 1.7 times expression in control cultures, and expression of collagen type-I mRNA was 2.8 times expression in control cultures. Treatment of MSC with TGF-β1 led to dose-related increases in area and intensity of type-II collagen immunoreaction.
Conclusion—Results suggest that TGF-β1 enhances chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSC in a dose-dependent manner. (Am J Vet Res 2000;61:1003–1010)
SUMMARY
Sodium hyaluronate reduces adhesions after tendon repair in rodents and dogs, and has been used in limited clinical trials in people. To evaluate its effect on tendon healing and adhesion formation in horses and to compare these effects with those of a compound of similar viscoelastic properties, a study was performed in horses, using a model of collagenase injection in the flexor tendons within the digital sheath.
Eight clinically normal horses were randomly allotted to 2 groups. Adhesion formation between the deep digital flexor tendon and the tendon sheath at the pastern region was induced in the forelimbs of all horses. Using tenoscopic control, a 20-gauge needle was inserted into the deep digital flexor tendon of horses under general anesthesia and 0.2 ml of collagenase (2.5 mg/ml) was injected. The procedure was repeated proximally at 2 other sites, spaced 1.5 cm apart. A biopsy forceps was introduced, and a 5-mm tendon defect was created at each injection site. Group-A horses had 120 mg of sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) gel injected into the tendon sheath of one limb. Group-B horses had methylcellulose gel injected at the same sites. The contralateral limbs of horses in both groups served as surgical, but noninjected, controls. Horses were euthanatized after 8 weeks of stall rest.
Ultrasonographic evaluation revealed improved tendon healing after NaHa injection, but no difference in peritendinous adhesion formation. Tendon sheath fluid volume and hyaluronic acid (ha) content were greater in NaHA-treated limbs. Gross pathologic examination revealed considerably fewer and smaller adhesions when limbs were treated with NaHA. However, significant difference in pull-out strengths was not evident between NaHA-treated and control limbs. Histologically, the deep digital flexor tendon from the NaHA-treated limbs had reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved tendon structure, and less intratendinous hemorrhage. Treatmerit with methylcullulose had no significant effect on tendon healing, adhesion size, quantity, or strength or on the volume and composition of the tendon sheath fluid. Sodium hyaluronate, administered intrathecally, appears to have a pharmaceutically beneficial action in this collagenase-induced tendinitis and adhesion model in horses.
Abstract
Objective—To investigate effects of β-aminopropionitrile and a combination of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and β-aminopropionitrile on metabolism of equine tendon fibroblasts.
Sample Population—Flexor tendon explants from 3 horses.
Procedure—Explants received 1 of 4 treatments (control, IGF-I, β-aminopropionitrile, and IGF-I/β-aminopropionitrile) for 10 days, and message expression for collagen types I and III was assessed by use of in situ hybridization. Histologic findings, new protein production, and quantitative determinations of glycosaminoglycan, DNA, and de novo collagen synthesis were made.
Results—Insulin-like growth factor-I stimulated an anabolic response in tendon. Collagen synthesis and glycosaminoglycan and DNA content of explants were all increased. β-Aminopropionitrile significantly suppressed collagen synthesis, which was not ameliorated by concurrent IGF-I treatment. β-Aminopropionitrile caused alterations in cell morphology characterized by large round cells with eccentric nuclei and decreased density of collagen fibers. Protein production and collagen type-III mRNA expression were reduced in these cells.
Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Treatment with β-aminopropionitrile resulted in decreased production of protein and collagen synthesis, which could be expected to suppress tendon healing. The negative effects of β-aminopropionitrile could not be abrogated by addition of IGF-I to the medium. Treatment resulted in alterations in cell morphology and matrix consistency, which could further delay tendon healing. β-Aminopropionitrile may impair tendon healing at a cellular level by decreasing collagen production or increasing rate of degradation of existing matrix. Because of reduced crosslinking during β- aminopropionitrile treatment, in combination with transiently decreased tensile strength, alterations in collagen content and structure may weaken the healing tendon. (Am J Vet Res 2001;62:1557–1562)