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Rehabilitation Practice and Science

Translated Title

正常與軟化關節軟骨之組織與超微結構差異研究

Abstract

Articular cartilage is a highly compressive load-bearing tissue by virtue of the functional interplay between a 3-dimensional (3-D) structure of collagen fibrils and the entrapped water-swollen proteoglycan macromolecules. Any loss of interconnectivity in the collagen network that might reduce the constraints on the swelling tendency of the proteoglycan domain will lead to swelling and low matrix stiffness. The 3-D fibrillar architecture of the cartilage matrix strongly influences its stiffness and therefore its ability to maintain a sufficient hydrated thickness under load.One of the pathologies of osteoarthritis is softening and swelling of the articular cartilage. Such degenerative process is thought to involve a major disruption or breakdown of the collagen network. Any rigorous description of the mechanisms responsible for the degenerative breakdown of the healthy cartilage matrix will include a detailed understanding of the ultrastructural steps that transform the normal fibrillar architecture into one that is unable to resist the normal pattern of forces transmitted through the joint system. The purpose of the present study is to investigate structural and ultrastructural differences between the normal and softened matrix. Under Nomarski light microscopy, the general matrix of normal cartilage was characterized by an almost non-directional, ground glass or amorphous texture. In contrast, the general matrix of the softened cartilage exhibited a fine, fibrous texture and with a strong radial alignment which often contained a superimposed crimp or waveform. The tail of the cells in this softened cartilage appeared more evident than in the normal cartilage. Under transmission electron microscopy, the normal matrix appeared with repeating fibril segment obliquity and thus creating a pseudo-random network. In contrast, the general matrix of the softened cartilage featured the presence of extensive, parallel and relatively unentwined fibril segments. The result of this study provides a guideline for further research on histological and ultrastructural changes of the articular cartilage that might be affected by many environmental factors.

Language

English

First Page

1

Last Page

10

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