ISSN:
0736-0266
Keywords:
Articular cartilage
;
Chondrocyte
;
Pericellular matrix
;
Pericellular capsule
;
Chondron
;
Life and Medical Sciences
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
We report on the morphology and structure of single and multiple chondrons isolated from homogenized samples of fresh and fixed canine tibial cartilage. Phase contrast, Nomarski, and scanning electron microscopy observations show each chondron to be composed of a chondrocyte and its pericellular matrix enclosed within a “felt-like” pericellular capsule. The extraction of intact chondrons from cartilage homogenates confirms the structural validity of chondron concept and emphasizes the intrinsic mechanical strength of the capsule. Frayed collagen fibers radiate from multiple chondron columns suggesting a shear-resistant, structural interrelationship between capsular components and type II collagen fibers. Future development of chondron extraction procedures could provide a unique model with which to study the structure, biochemistry, and function of articular cartilage chondrocytes and their pericellular microenvironment.
Additional Material:
6 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jor.1100060312
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