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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / Articular calcified cartilage canals in the third metacarpal...
Journal of anatomy2004; 205(6); 491-500; doi: 10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00354.x

Articular calcified cartilage canals in the third metacarpal bone of 2-year-old thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: We describe morphological aspects of the articular calcified cartilage mineralizing front 'tidemark' in the distal joint surface of the third metacarpal bone from 14 horses. Compositional backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning light microscopy were conducted on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-embedded medio-lateral slices. After maceration, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the calcified cartilage surface in the 'wedges' intervening between the slices. An anatomically reproducible clustering of canals in the calcified cartilage was found at one site on the sagittal ridge in all the horses. The site is one that is relatively less loaded during joint function. These canals through calcified cartilage result from osteoclastic resorption (cutting cones) penetrating from bone through to the non-mineralized hyaline articular cartilage. Their presence may indicate a pathway for connection between bone and cartilage extracellular fluid. In one horse, repair of such canals by plugging with new calcified cartilage was demonstrated. Differences in the degree of mineralization of regions of cartilage were seen in the combined compositional-cum-topographical backscattered SEM images of the macerated 'tidemark' front. More-or-less circular patches of lower mineralization density were frequently centred on (and may possibly originate from) canals. These microanatomical features should be searched for in other joints, at other ages and in other species to discover their frequency and significance.
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Publication Date: 2004-12-22 PubMed ID: 15610396PubMed Central: PMC1571414DOI: 10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00354.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study examines the morphological features of mineralizing fronts ‘tidemark’ in third metacarpal bone joints of 14 thoroughbred racehorses, and identifies a pattern in the clustering of canals. These study insights could potentially indicate pathways between bone and cartilage extracellular fluid, aiding the understanding of joint function and health.

Research Methodology and Findings

  • The research primarily investigated the morphological characteristics of the articular calcified cartilage mineralizing front, also known as the ‘tidemark’, in the distal joint surface of the third metacarpal bone extracted from 14 thoroughbred racehorses.
  • The research applied a combination of both compositional backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy and confocal scanning light microscopy on slices of the bone embedded in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). After maceration, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed again to study the calcified cartilage surface.
  • A significant finding from the study was the identification of a consistent clustering of canals in the calcified cartilage. This clustering was found at a specific site on the sagittal ridge in all horse samples, a site relatively less burdened during joint function.
  • These canals through the calcified cartilage have been attributed to the process of osteoclastic resorption (cutting cones) penetrating from the underlying bone and reaching up to the non-mineralized hyaline articular cartilage.
  • The presence of these canals may imply a pathway of connection between the bone and the cartilage extracellular fluid.
  • In one instance, the study demonstrated the repair of such canals by forming a plug with new calcified cartilage.
  • The research also noted differential mineralization in regions of the cartilage as observed in the combined compositional-cum-topographical backscattered SEM images of the macerated ‘tidemark’ front. Lower mineralization density was often found in circular patches that centered on, and possibly originated from, the canals.

Research Significance and Future Directions

  • This microanatomical feature of canal clustering could serve as an important point of investigation in other joints, across different age groups and animal species. Exploring their prevalence and significance could contribute valuable insights to our understanding of joint health and function.
  • Moreover, the identification of potential pathways between bone and cartilage extracellular fluid could have wider implications for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis.

Cite This Article

APA
Boyde A, Firth EC. (2004). Articular calcified cartilage canals in the third metacarpal bone of 2-year-old thoroughbred racehorses. J Anat, 205(6), 491-500. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0021-8782.2004.00354.x

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 205
Issue: 6
Pages: 491-500

Researcher Affiliations

Boyde, A
  • Biophysics, Centre for Oral Growth and Development, St Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, UK. a.boyde@qmul.ac.uk
Firth, E C

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Cartilage, Articular / ultrastructure
    • Chondrocalcinosis / pathology
    • Horses / anatomy & histology
    • Metacarpus
    • Microscopy, Confocal
    • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning

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    Citations

    This article has been cited 4 times.
    1. Boyde A. The Bone Cartilage Interface and Osteoarthritis. Calcif Tissue Int 2021 Sep;109(3):303-328.
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    2. Huang Y, Chen C, Wang F, Chen G, Cheng S, Tang Z, Li Z, Gong X, Yang L. Observation of Solute Transport between Articular Cartilage and Subchondral Bone in Live Mice. Cartilage 2021 Dec;13(2_suppl):398S-407S.
      doi: 10.1177/1947603520951627pubmed: 32840114google scholar: lookup
    3. Duer MJ, Friscić T, Murray RC, Reid DG, Wise ER. The mineral phase of calcified cartilage: its molecular structure and interface with the organic matrix. Biophys J 2009 Apr 22;96(8):3372-8.
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    4. Firth EC. The response of bone, articular cartilage and tendon to exercise in the horse. J Anat 2006 Apr;208(4):513-26.
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