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Equine veterinary journal2008; 40(5); 442-454; doi: 10.2746/042516408X297453

Cartilage matrix changes in the developing epiphysis: early events on the pathway to equine osteochondrosis?

Abstract: The earliest osteochondrosis (OC) microscopic lesion reported in the literature was present in the femorotibial joint of a 2-day-old foal suggesting that OC lesions and factors initiating them may arise prior to birth. Objective: To examine the developing equine epiphysis to detect histological changes that could be precursors to OC lesions. Methods: Osteochondral samples from 21 equine fetuses and 13 foals were harvested from selected sites in the scapulohumeral, humeroradial, metacarpophalangeal, femoropatellar, femorotibial, tarsocrural and metatarsophalangeal joints. Sections were stained with safranin O and picrosiruis red to assess cartilage changes and structural arrangement of the collagen matrix. Results: Extracellular matrix changes observed included perivascular areas of paleness of the proteoglycan matrix associated with hypocellularity and, sometimes, necrotic chondrocytes. These changes were most abundant in the youngest fetuses and in the femoropatellar/femorotibial (FP/FT) joints. Indentations of the ossification front were also observed in most specimens, but, most frequently, in scapulohumeral and FP/FT joints. A cartilage canal was almost always present in these indentations. The vascular density of the cartilage was higher in the youngest fetuses. In these fetuses, the most vascularised joints were the metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints but their cartilage canals regressed quickly. After birth, the most vascularised cartilage was present in the FP/FT joint. Articular cartilage differentiated into 4 zones early in fetal life and the epiphyseal cartilage also had a distinct zonal cartilage structure. A striking difference was observed in the collagen structure at the junction of the proliferative and hypertrophic zones where OCD lesions occur. Conclusions: Matrix and ossification front changes were frequently observed and significantly associated with cartilage canals suggesting that they may be physiological changes associated with matrix remodelling and development. The collagen structure was variable through the growing epiphysis and a differential in biomechanical properties at focal sites may predispose them to injury.
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Publication Date: 2008-05-20 PubMed ID: 18487100DOI: 10.2746/042516408X297453Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This study examines early changes in the cartilage matrix of developing equine fetuses and foals as part of an effort to better understand the earliest stages of osteochondrosis (OC) in horses. The findings suggest the earliest changes associated with OC might occur prior to birth, possibly influencing the development of OC lesions, and that differences in collagen structure during development may make certain areas more prone to injury.

Methods and Experimentation

  • The study was conducted using osteochondral samples extracted from 21 equine fetuses and 13 foals. The samples were taken from various joints, including the humeroradial, femoropatellar, femorotibial, tarsocrural and metatarsophalangeal joints.
  • The collected samples were then stained using safranin O and picrosirius red, which enabled the researchers to assess changes in cartilage and the structural arrangement of the collagen matrix, thus identifying possible precursors to OC lesions.

Key Findings

  • Extracellular matrix changes were observed, including areas of paleness around blood vessels, less cellular activity and, in some cases, dead chondrocytes. These changes were most often encountered in the youngest fetuses and femoropatellar/femorotibial joints.
  • The researchers also found indentations of the ossification front in most samples, with the majority found in the scapulohumeral and femoropatellar/femorotibial joints. A cartilage canal was nearly always present in these indentations.
  • The vascular density of the cartilage was higher in young fetuses, particularly in the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints, although their cartilage canals regressed quickly after birth.
  • Notably, the structure of collagen varied in different areas of the growing epiphysis. A striking difference was noted at the junction between the proliferative and hypertrophic zones where osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions occur.

Conclusion

  • The frequent appearance of extracellular matrix and ossification front changes in conjunction with cartilage canals suggest that these could be physiological changes connected with matrix remodeling and development.
  • The varying collagen structure throughout the epiphysis, thus causing differing biomechanical properties at certain sites, may predispose them to injury and ultimately the development of OC.

Cite This Article

APA
Lecocq M, Girard CA, Fogarty U, Beauchamp G, Richard H, Laverty S. (2008). Cartilage matrix changes in the developing epiphysis: early events on the pathway to equine osteochondrosis? Equine Vet J, 40(5), 442-454. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408X297453

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 40
Issue: 5
Pages: 442-454

Researcher Affiliations

Lecocq, M
  • Département de sciences cliniques, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Girard, C A
    Fogarty, U
      Beauchamp, G
        Richard, H
          Laverty, S

            MeSH Terms

            • Aging
            • Animals
            • Animals, Newborn
            • Cartilage, Articular / blood supply
            • Cartilage, Articular / embryology
            • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
            • Female
            • Growth Plate / blood supply
            • Growth Plate / embryology
            • Growth Plate / pathology
            • Horse Diseases / embryology
            • Horse Diseases / pathology
            • Horses / embryology
            • Horses / growth & development
            • Joints / blood supply
            • Joints / embryology
            • Joints / pathology
            • Male
            • Osteochondritis / embryology
            • Osteochondritis / pathology
            • Osteochondritis / veterinary
            • Regional Blood Flow
            • Tarsus, Animal / blood supply
            • Tarsus, Animal / embryology
            • Tarsus, Animal / pathology
            • Tibia / blood supply
            • Tibia / embryology
            • Tibia / pathology

            Citations

            This article has been cited 17 times.
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