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A Passive Ankle Dorsiflexion Testing System for an In Vivo Model of Overuse-induced Tendinopathy
Published on: March 1, 2024
Increased mast cell numbers in a calcaneal tendon overuse model
J Pingel1, J Wienecke, M Kongsgaard
1Institute of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery M. Bispebjerg Hospital and Center for Healthy Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|July 30, 2013
Summary
Early tendinopathy may involve mast cells. High-intensity uphill running in rats led to increased mast cell density and structural tendon changes, suggesting mast cells play a role in early tendon pathology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Orthopedics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Tendinopathy often presents late due to asymptomatic early stages.
- Understanding early pathological mechanisms is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells in early tendinopathy.
- To utilize a high-intensity uphill running (HIUR) exercise model in rats.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent a 7-week HIUR protocol or remained sedentary.
- Histological analysis (Bonar score, immunohistochemistry, SHGM) and qPCR were performed on calcaneal tendons.
Main Results:
- HIUR group showed increased tendon cell density, protein kinase B intensity, Bonar score, and mast cell numbers.
- SHGM revealed collagen disorganization and reduced density in runners.
- IL-3 mRNA levels correlated with mast cell numbers in sedentary animals.
Conclusions:
- Seven weeks of HIUR induces structural changes in rat calcaneal tendons.
- These changes are associated with increased mast cell density.
- Mast cells may be involved in the early development of tendinopathy.
