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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
10:09
Biomechanical Testing of Murine Tendons
Published on: October 15, 2019
13.4K
A preliminary study into the emergence of tendon microstructure during postnatal development
Helena Raymond-Hayling1,2, Yinhui Lu1, Tom Shearer2,3
1Wellcome Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Matrix Biology Plus
|February 8, 2024
Summary
During early development, mouse tail tendons show significant collagen fibril changes. Fibril diameter distributions shift, and key structural elements stabilize by four weeks post-birth.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Developmental Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tendons are crucial for mechanical function, adapting significantly during postnatal development.
- Understanding tendon microstructural changes is key to comprehending growth and adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize collagen fibril architecture changes in mouse tail tendons from birth to eight weeks.
- To identify key transition periods in early tendon development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy images of mouse tail tendons.
- Quantification of collagen fibril diameters, distribution, and spatial organization.
Main Results:
- A shift from a unimodal to a bimodal fibril diameter distribution by postnatal day 8.
- Emergence of three distinct fibril populations around postnatal day 14.
- Constant inter-fibril spacing and lack of precise hexagonal packing throughout development.
- Stabilization of fibril number around day 28 and fibril area fraction around day 26.
Conclusions:
- Early tendon development involves dynamic collagen fibril reorganization.
- Specific developmental milestones, such as fibril population emergence and stabilization, occur within the first four weeks.
- The study provides insights into the microstructural basis of tendon growth and maturation.
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