Three-dimensional ultrastructure of synoviocytes in the horse joint as revealed by the scanning electron microscope.
Abstract: The synovial membrane displays a superficial cellular lining composed of two types of synoviocytes: "absorptive" macrophages (type A cells) and "secretory" fibroblast-like cells (type B cells). The types are intermingled and extend a variety of processes, rendering the cellular architecture of the synovial membrane difficult to visualize. Previous electron microscopic and histochemical studies failed to demonstrate the entire shape of synoviocytes, except our immunohistochemical study for protein gene product 9.5 in the horse joint. The present SEM study is the first to demonstrate the three-dimensional ultrastructure of synoviocytes as well as their distribution in the synovial membrane, using macerated samples from the horse carpal joints. The equine synovial membrane was largely covered by conspicuously developed synovial villi. Type A synoviocytes were closely similar to macrophages in regard to surface structure, and showed uneven distribution with the densest occurrence around the tips of the synovial villi. In the basal half of villi, type B synoviocytes, which were situated in close proximity to the synovial cavity, projected thick processes horizontally and intertwined to form a regular network of processes on the synovial surface. Those in the upper half of the villi were located in the abluminal layers and protruded an antenna-like process into the joint cavity with tips covered with long microvilli, in addition to forming the superficial plexus of processes. Type B cells were also provided with fine, membranous extensions that tended to cover the surface of synovial intima. The meshwork of horizontal processes, the antenna-like processes, and the membranous processes imply advantages in not only secretion but also sensation and regulation of the barrier function in the synovial membrane.
Publication Date: 1999-09-25 PubMed ID: 10495876DOI: 10.1679/aohc.62.219Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research explores the three-dimensional structure of synoviocytes (cells that line the synovial membrane in joints) in horses, using scanning electron microscopy. It is unique in detailing the distribution and ultrastructure of these cells, offering new insights into joint health.
Introduction
- The synovial membrane in the horse joints is made up of two types of synoviocytes – type A (absorptive macrophages) and type B (secretory fibroblast-like cells), that together form its cellular lining.
- The two types of cells are quite mixed up, consisting of various hand-like processes, which makes the cellular layout of the synovial lining complicated to image.
- Former microscopic and histochemical examinations were unable to fully define the form of these synoviocytes. The current study appears to be the first to successfully demonstrate the three-dimensional structure of equine synoviocytes through scanning electron microscopy.
Methodology
- The researchers used a scanning electron microscope to study the synovial membrane, working with macerated horse carpal joint samples.
- This investigation helps to reveal the overall cellular distribution within the synovial membrane.
Findings
- The surface of the equine synovial membrane was primarily overlaid with prominently developed synovial villi, which are small, finger-like projections.
- Type A synoviocytes appeared much like macrophages in terms of surface structure and congregated densely around the tops of the synovial villi.
- Type B synoviocytes, which situated themselves closer to the synovial cavity, extended thick processes horizontally, forming a regular network of processes on the surface and into the joint cavity, sometimes covered with microvilli.
- These cells also displayed thin, membrane-like extensions across the surface of the synovial intima.
Conclusions
- The network formed by the processes of Type B synoviocytes, along with their antenna-like and membranous processes, suggests their possible roles in secretion, sensation, and the regulation of the barrier function of the synovial membrane.
- This study is unique in its successful mapping of the distribution and complex three-dimensional structure of synoviocytes, providing potential new insights for the understanding of joint health and the treatment of joint disorders in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Shikichi M, Kitamura HP, Yanase H, Konno A, Takahashi-Iwanaga H, Iwanaga T.
(1999).
Three-dimensional ultrastructure of synoviocytes in the horse joint as revealed by the scanning electron microscope.
Arch Histol Cytol, 62(3), 219-229.
https://doi.org/10.1679/aohc.62.219 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cartilage, Articular / cytology
- Cartilage, Articular / physiology
- Cartilage, Articular / ultrastructure
- Female
- Fibroblasts / cytology
- Fibroblasts / physiology
- Fibroblasts / ultrastructure
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Joints / ultrastructure
- Macrophages / cytology
- Macrophages / physiology
- Macrophages / ultrastructure
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning Transmission / veterinary
- Synovial Membrane / cytology
- Synovial Membrane / physiology
- Synovial Membrane / ultrastructure
Citations
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