Caveolar system of the articular chondrocyte.
Abstract: Tangential articular chondrocytes contain a complex system of membrane invaginations called caveolae. Caveolae are about 600 A in diameter, open to the extracellular space, and may attract and sequester calcium ions. On the average each chondrocyte has approximately 17 700 caveolac. This chondrocytic caveolar system appears remarkably similar to the caveolar system of smooth muscle cells, and it is proposed that chondrocytic caveolae may contribute to an excitation-contraction coupling mechanism similar to the mechanism in smooth muscle cells.
Publication Date: 1981-01-01 PubMed ID: 7241635DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5320(81)80105-0Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study investigates the caveolar system in articular chondrocytes, suggesting similarities to the caveolar system in smooth muscle cells and proposing a role in excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms.
Understanding Caveolae in Articular Chondrocytes
- Focuses on tangential articular chondrocytes, a type of cell found in joint cartilage.
- Identifies the presence of caveolae, which are small invaginations in the cell membrane.
- Highlights the structural details of caveolae, including their diameter (about 600 A) and their opening to the extracellular space.
Role of Caveolae in Calcium Sequestration
- Discusses the potential of caveolae to attract and sequester calcium ions.
- Calcium ion attraction and sequestration are crucial for various cellular processes.
Quantitative Analysis of Chondrocytic Caveolae
- Provides a detailed count of caveolae in chondrocytes, averaging around 17,700 per cell.
- Such quantitative data help in understanding the extent of caveolar involvement in chondrocyte functions.
Comparative Analysis with Smooth Muscle Cells
- Draws parallels between the caveolar system in chondrocytes and that in smooth muscle cells.
- Notes the remarkable similarity in the structure and distribution of caveolae between these two cell types.
Proposed Functional Implications
- Suggests that chondrocytic caveolae may participate in an excitation-contraction coupling mechanism.
- This mechanism is akin to what is observed in smooth muscle cells, indicating a potential novel function for chondrocyte caveolae.
Significance of the Study
- Enhances the understanding of chondrocyte physiology and their role in joint function.
- Opens avenues for further research into the mechanistic roles of caveolae in different cell types.
- Possibly contributes to new insights into joint diseases and potential therapeutic targets.
Cite This Article
APA
Wilsman NJ, Farnum CE, Reed-Aksamit DK.
(1981).
Caveolar system of the articular chondrocyte.
J Ultrastruct Res, 74(1), 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5320(81)80105-0 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Antimony
- Cartilage, Articular / ultrastructure
- Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
- Dogs
- Endoplasmic Reticulum / ultrastructure
- Histocytochemistry
- Horses
- Microscopy, Electron
- Mitochondria / ultrastructure
- Potassium
- Ribosomes / ultrastructure
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Schwab W, Hempel U, Funk RH, Kasper M. Ultrastructural identification of caveolae and immunocytochemical as well as biochemical detection of caveolin in chondrocytes.. Histochem J 1999 May;31(5):315-20.
- Benjamin M. Mucochondroid (mucous connective) tissues in the heads of teleosts.. Anat Embryol (Berl) 1988;178(5):461-74.
- Benjamin M, Sandhu JS. The structure and ultrastructure of the rostral cartilage in the spiny eel, Macrognathus siamensis (Teleostei: Mastacembeloidei).. J Anat 1990 Apr;169:37-47.
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