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Connective tissue research2012; 54(1); 62-69; doi: 10.3109/03008207.2012.734879

Immunolocalization of collagens (I and III) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the normal and injured equine superficial digital flexor tendon.

Abstract: This is a descriptive study of tendon pathology with different structural appearances of repair tissue correlated to immunolocalization of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and type I and III collagens and expression of COMP mRNA. The material consists of nine tendons from seven horses (5-25 years old; mean age of 10 years) with clinical tendinopathy and three normal tendons from horses (3, 3, and 13 years old) euthanized for non-orthopedic reasons. The injured tendons displayed different repair-tissue appearances with organized and disorganized fibroblastic regions as well as areas of necrosis. The normal tendons presented distinct immunoreactivity for COMP and expression of COMP mRNA and type I collagen in the normal aligned fiber structures, but no immunolabeling of type III collagen. However, immunoreactivity for type III collagen was present in the endotenon surrounding the fiber bundles, where no expression of COMP could be seen. Immunostaining for type I and III collagens was present in all of the pathologic regions indicating repair tissue. Interestingly, the granulation tissues showed immunostaining for COMP and expression of COMP mRNA, indicating a role for COMP in repair and remodeling of the tendon after fiber degeneration and rupture. The present results suggest that not only type III collagen but also COMP is involved in the repair and remodeling processes of the tendon.
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Publication Date: 2012-12-03 PubMed ID: 23020676PubMed Central: PMC3545546DOI: 10.3109/03008207.2012.734879Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research looks at the structural changes in the tendons of horses with tendinopathy, a type of tendon injury, by analyzing the location and expression levels of certain proteins and collagens. The findings suggest that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and type I and III collagens play important roles in tendon repair and remodeling processes.

Research Context

  • The focus of this study is on equine superficial digital flexor tendon, which is a common site for tendon injuries in horses. These injuries often lead to tendinopathy – a condition resulting in pain, swelling, and impaired function.
  • The researchers looked into the spatial distribution (immunolocalization) of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and type I and III collagens in the equine tendons.
  • The study utilized tendons from ten horses; seven with clinical tendinopathy and three healthy horses. This provided a comparison between normal and injured tendon tissue.

Findings of the Study

  • The injured tendons showed areas of organized and disorganized fibroblastic activity and even areas of necrosis (cell death).
  • In the normal tendons, COMP and type I collagen were present in healthy fiber structures, but type III collagen was absent. However, type III collagen was found in the endotenon – a sheath surrounding the bundles of tendon muscle fibers.
  • Interestingly, both type I and III collagens were present in all pathological regions of the tendon, suggesting their role in the repair process.
  • Notably, the granulation tissues – new connective tissues that form on the surfaces of wounds during the healing process – showed COMP and COMP mRNA expression. This finding suggests that COMP also has a role in tendon repair and remodeling after an injury.

Implications of the Study

  • The findings provide insight into the possible mechanisms of tendon repair in horses, which may be utilized for developing more effective treatments for tendinopathy.
  • The study suggested that type I and III collagens, as well as COMP, are involved in tendon repair and remodeling after damage. This challenges the earlier perception that only type III collagen is involved in tendon repair.
  • With further research, these findings could eventually be translated to human medicine, as tendinopathies are common injuries in many sports and occupations.

Cite This Article

APA
Södersten F, Hultenby K, Heinegård D, Johnston C, Ekman S. (2012). Immunolocalization of collagens (I and III) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the normal and injured equine superficial digital flexor tendon. Connect Tissue Res, 54(1), 62-69. https://doi.org/10.3109/03008207.2012.734879

Publication

Connective tissue research
ISSN: 1607-8438
NlmUniqueID: 0365263
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 1
Pages: 62-69

Researcher Affiliations

Södersten, Fredrik
  • Division of Pathology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine & Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden. fredrik.sodersten@slu.se
Hultenby, Kjell
    Heinegård, Dick
      Johnston, Christopher
        Ekman, Stina

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Collagen Type I / analysis
          • Collagen Type I / genetics
          • Collagen Type I / metabolism
          • Collagen Type II / analysis
          • Collagen Type II / genetics
          • Collagen Type II / metabolism
          • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / analysis
          • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism
          • Gene Expression
          • Glycoproteins / analysis
          • Glycoproteins / metabolism
          • Horse Diseases / metabolism
          • Horse Diseases / pathology
          • Horses
          • Matrilin Proteins
          • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
          • Tendon Injuries / metabolism
          • Tendon Injuries / pathology
          • Tendon Injuries / veterinary
          • Tendons / metabolism

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