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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anat / Localisation of alkaline phosphatase in equine growth cartil...
Journal of anatomy1995; 187 ( Pt 1)(Pt 1); 151-159;

Localisation of alkaline phosphatase in equine growth cartilage.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to localise alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in equine growth cartilage both histochemically and ultrastructurally. For histochemical studies, full thickness growth cartilage samples were obtained from 6 anatomical sites from 16 horses and ponies ranging in age from 90 d postconception to 12 years of age. For ultrastructural studies, samples were obtained from the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur of 3 animals ranging in age from 157 d postconception to 12 months of age. Alkaline phosphatase in histological sections was localised using a substituted naphthol reaction which revealed enzyme activity around the cell surfaces of hypertrophic chondrocytes. ALP activity was quantified by determining the labelling index of ALP positive chondrocytes. The labelling index depended on (1) the age of the animal (activity being highest in animals < 6 months old), and (2) the anatomical site (activity being lowest in the proximal phalanges and highest in the growth plate, reflecting the degree of long bone growth at each site). In order to demonstrate ALP activity ultrastructurally, two capturing agents were used: cerium and lead. This enzyme was visualised by the precipitation of electron-dense salts at the site of activity. ALP activity was localised at low levels on the surface membranes of chondrocytes in the midproliferative zone. The enzyme activity increased throughout the proliferative zone and was most intense on chondrocytes of the hypertrophic zone. ALP activity was seen to be concentrated on the matrix vesicles, the putative sites of mineralisation. This work demonstrates, for the first time in the horse, that ALP is a useful marker of incipient bone formation.
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Publication Date: 1995-08-01 PubMed ID: 7591976PubMed Central: PMC1167358
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • 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.

The research aimed to map and assess the activity of an enzyme known as Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in horses’ growth cartilage and how this is related to bone formation.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers studied full-thickness growth cartilage samples from six different anatomical sites from a total of 16 different horses and ponies, covering a wide age range from 90 days post-conception to 12 years old for their histochemical studies.
  • For ultrastructural studies, the researchers took samples from the lateral trochlear ridge of the distal femur (a key bone to growth and movement) of three different animals in the age range of 157 days post-conception to 12 months old.

Results and Findings

  • The research discovered that the enzyme, ALP, surrounds the cell surfaces of hypertrophic chondrocytes, which are cells that assist in bone growth.
  • The researchers also found that the degree of ALP activity could be quantified by looking at the labelling index of ALP positive chondrocytes.
  • Crucially, the activity of ALP was found to vary based on not just the age of the animal but also the anatomical site. The highest activity of ALP was found in animals less than six months old and was most potent in the growth plate, reflecting the degree of long bone growth at each site.
  • To visually depict ALP activity at an ultrastructural level, two capturing agents, cerium and lead were used. The enzyme was observed by the precipitation of electron-dense salts at the site of the enzyme’s activity.
  • The researchers also found that ALP activity was localised at low levels on the surface membranes of chondrocytes in the midproliferative zone, which are cells that aid in growth and development, particularly in terms of bone formation.
  • The intensity of the enzyme activity increased through the proliferative zone and was maximal on chondrocytes of the hypertrophic zone.
  • Finally, the researchers noticed that ALP activity was primarily concentrated on the matrix vesicles, which are deemed as putative sites of mineralisation, a key aspect of bone formation.

Implications of the Research

  • This research has uncovered that the enzyme ALP can act as a useful marker for the initial phases of bone formation.
  • Moreover, the study demonstrated for the first time, the enzyme ALP’s key function within equine growth cartilage and bone formation in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Henson FM, Davies ME, Skepper JN, Jeffcott LB. (1995). Localisation of alkaline phosphatase in equine growth cartilage. J Anat, 187 ( Pt 1)(Pt 1), 151-159.

Publication

Journal of anatomy
ISSN: 0021-8782
NlmUniqueID: 0137162
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 187 ( Pt 1)
Issue: Pt 1
Pages: 151-159

Researcher Affiliations

Henson, F M
  • Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK.
Davies, M E
    Skepper, J N
      Jeffcott, L B

        MeSH Terms

        • Aging / physiology
        • Alkaline Phosphatase / analysis
        • Animals
        • Biomarkers / analysis
        • Femur
        • Growth Plate / enzymology
        • Growth Plate / growth & development
        • Histocytochemistry
        • Horses / growth & development
        • Horses / metabolism
        • Humerus
        • Microscopy, Electron
        • Radius
        • Tibia

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 2 times.
        1. Zhang H, Zhou Z, Luo J, Hou J. Effects of corticosterone on the metabolic activity of cultured chicken chondrocytes. BMC Vet Res 2015 Apr 8;11:86.
          doi: 10.1186/s12917-015-0398-5pubmed: 25880747google scholar: lookup
        2. Tchetina EV. Developmental mechanisms in articular cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. Arthritis 2011;2011:683970.
          doi: 10.1155/2011/683970pubmed: 22046522google scholar: lookup
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