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Histological and functional characterizations of the digital cushion in Quarter horses.
Abstract: The digital cushion (DC) plays a role in absorbing and dampening forces applied to the foot and therefore supports internal structures such as navicular bone; yet, its architecture is not well-known. The goal of this study was to characterize the microanatomical structure of the DC in horses with clinically sound hooves. Both forefeet from the cadavers of 12 adult Quarter horses were cut and sectioned and samples of the following 4 regions of the DC were obtained: axial proximal (AxProx), axial distal (AxDis), abaxial lateral (AbxLat), and abaxial medial (AbxMed). The samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Weigert's elastic stains. On each slide, 2 central 3- × 3-mm areas were microscopically assessed and all measurements were done within the 9-mm2 area. The number of detected collagen bundles, nerve fascicles, vessels, and the diameter of wall thickness and lumen of blood vessels were measured. Elastic fiber profiles were categorized based on relative density of elastic fibers detected in the field. The percentage of samples in which chondrocytes and adipose tissues were either present or absent was calculated. Significant structural differences were identified among the 4 regions of the DC. The AxDis region contained more collagen bundles (P < 0.0001) and less elastic fiber profiles than the AxProx region (P < 0.0001). The AxDis also contained more collagen bundles than the AbxMed and AbxLat (P < 0.0001) regions. Our findings provide insight into the structure of the DC of mature Quarter horses. The structural differences in the various regions of the DC are presumably related to the different functional properties of those regions; yet more research is warranted. Le coussinet plantaire (CP) joue un rôle en absorbant et diminuant les forces appliquées au pied et par conséquent supporte les structures internes telles que l’os naviculaire; pourtant son architecture n’est pas très bien connue. Le but de la présente étude était de caractériser la structure micro-anatomique du CP chez des chevaux avec des sabots cliniquement sains. Les deux pattes avants provenant de 12 chevaux Quarter Horse furent coupées et sectionnées et des échantillons des quatre régions suivantes du CP obtenus : axial proximal (AxProx), axial distal (AxDis), abaxial latéral (AbxLat), et abaxial médial (AbxMed). Les échantillons ont été traités et colorés avec hématoxyline et éosine, trichrome de Masson, et coloration de Weigert pour les fibres élastiques. Sur chaque lame, deux zones centrales de 3 × 3 mm ont été évaluées en microscopie et toutes les mesures effectuées dans cette zone de 9 mm2. Le nombre de paquets de collagène, de faisceaux nerveux, et de vaisseaux sanguins a été déterminé ainsi que les diamètres de l’épaisseur de la paroi et de la lumière des vaisseaux sanguins mesurés. Les profils des fibres élastiques ont été catégorisés sur la base de la densité relative des fibres élastiques détectées dans le champ. Le pourcentage d’échantillons dans lesquels des chondrocytes et du tissu adipeux étaient présents ou absents a été calculé. Des différences structurelles ont été identifiées parmi les quatre régions du CP. La région AxDis contenait plus de paquets de collagène (P < 0,0001) et moins de profils de fibres élastiques que la région AxProx (P < 0,0001). La région AxDis contenait également plus de paquets de collagène que les régions AbxMed et AbxLat (P < 0,0001). Nos résultats donnent un aperçu de la structure du CP de chevaux Quarter Horse matures. Les différences structurales parmi les différentes régions du CP sont probablement liées aux différentes propriétés fonctionnelles de ces régions; mais plus de recherche sont requises.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).
Publication Date: 2017-10-31 PubMed ID: 29081586PubMed Central: PMC5644452 The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article explores the microanatomical structure of the digital cushion (DC) in horses, specifically Quarter horses with clinically sound hooves. It reveals significant structural variations within different regions of the DC, which could be associated with their respective functional properties.
Introduction
- The digital cushion (DC) in a horse’s foot is a crucial structure that absorbs and dampens forces applied to the foot, thus providing protection and support to the internal structures such as the navicular bone.
- Despite its importance, the anatomical design or makeup of the digital cushion is not well-known. This study aimed to examine the microanatomical architecture of the DC.
Methodology
- The forefeet samples were obtained from the cadavers of 12 adult Quarter horses; these were sectioned, and samples from four different regions of the DC were collected. These four regions were axial proximal (AxProx), axial distal (AxDis), abaxial lateral (AbxLat), and abaxial medial (AbxMed).
- The collected samples were processed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and Weigert’s elastic stains. Each resulting slide underwent microscopic assessment within a 9-mm area.
Measurements and Assessments
- The study observed and measured multiple elements within the samples, including the number of collagen bundles, nerve fascicles, and vessels. The diameter of the blood vessels’ wall thickness and lumen were also measured.
- The Elastic fiber profiles were categorized based on the relative density of elastic fibers be detectable under the microscope.
- The investigation also accounted for the presence or absence of chondrocytes and adipose tissues in the samples, calculating their respective percentages.
Findings
- The study findings showed significant structural differences among the four regions of the DC within the samples.
- The AxDis region had more collagen bundles and fewer elastic fiber profiles than the AxProx region.
- Additionally, the AxDis region had a higher number of collagen bundles than the AbxMed and AbxLat regions.
Conclusion
- The research sheds light on the microanatomical structure of the digital cushion in mature Quarter horses.
- The structural differences found among the different DC regions seemingly correspond with their functional properties. However, further research is required to confirm these findings and enhance the understanding of the DC’s structure and functions.
Cite This Article
APA
Faramarzi B, Lantz L, Lee D, Khamas W.
(2017).
Histological and functional characterizations of the digital cushion in Quarter horses.
Can J Vet Res, 81(4), 285-291.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Faramarzi, Lee, Khamas) and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences (Lantz), Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, California 91766-1854, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Faramarzi, Lee, Khamas) and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences (Lantz), Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, California 91766-1854, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Faramarzi, Lee, Khamas) and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences (Lantz), Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, California 91766-1854, USA.
- College of Veterinary Medicine (Faramarzi, Lee, Khamas) and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences (Lantz), Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, California 91766-1854, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Cadaver
- Foot / anatomy & histology
- Foot / physiology
- Hoof and Claw / anatomy & histology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / physiology
References
This article includes 20 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Osborn ML, Cornille JL, Blas-Machado U, Uhl EW. The equine navicular apparatus as a premier enthesis organ: Functional implications. Vet Surg 2021 May;50(4):713-728.
- Han D, Zhang R, Yu G, Jiang L, Li D, Li J. Study on bio-inspired feet based on the cushioning and shock absorption characteristics of the ostrich foot. PLoS One 2020;15(7):e0236324.
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