Optical anisotropy of a pig tendon under compression

The proximal region of the superficial digital flexor tendon of pigs passes under the tibiotarsal joint, where it is subjected to compressional and tensional forces. This region was divided into a surface portion (sp), which is in direct contact with the bone and into a deep portion (dp), which is the layer opposite the articulating surface. The purpose of this work was to analyse the distribution and organisation of the collagen bundles and proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix in sp and dp. Toluidine-blue-stained sections were analysed under a polarising microscope. Strong basophilia and metachromasia were observed in sp, demonstrating accumulation of proteoglycan in a region bearing compression, but the intensity was reduced the further layers were from the bone. Linear dichroism confirmed that the glycosaminoglycan molecules were disposed predominantly parallel to the longest axis of the collagen fibrils. Birefringence analysis showed a higher molecular order and aggregation of the collagen bundles in areas where the tension was more prominent. The crimp pattern was more regular in dp than in sp, probably as a requirement for tendon stretching. The optical anisotropy exhibited by the collagen bundles also confirmed the helical organisation of the collagen bundles in the tendon. Hyaluronidase digestion caused a decrease in the basophilia, but this was not eliminated, supporting the idea that in the matrix, proteoglycans are not completely available to the enzyme action.