Related Experiment Videos
Apatite-type crystal deposition in arthritic cartilage
Scanning Electron Microscopy
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Microscopic apatite crystals are found in human articular cartilage, suggesting abnormal mineral formation may drive osteoarthritis (joint failure). These crystals are too small for standard X-rays but linked to cartilage degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Biomineralization
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA), or 'joint failure,' involves cartilage degeneration and bone eburnation.
- Crystal deposition, like sodium urate in gout, is linked to arthritic joint disease.
- Previous studies identified various calcium phosphate crystals in joint tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microscopic apatite crystal types in human articular cartilage.
- To determine the association of these crystals with osteoarthritis pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electron microscopy and electron probe analysis.
- Examined human articular cartilage for crystal morphology and distribution.
- Assessed matrix vesicles and alkaline phosphatase activity.
Main Results:
- Identified three new morphological types of microscopic apatite crystals in articular cartilage.
- Two types (I and II) were associated with extracellular matrix vesicles and increased in arthritic cartilage.
- Type II 'cuboid' crystals may be a variant of apatite or 'Whitlockite' due to magnesium presence.
Conclusions:
- Some forms of osteoarthritis are closely associated with apatite crystal deposition.
- Abnormal mineral formation in articular cartilage may be a pathogenic mechanism in OA.
- Microscopic apatite crystals are a novel finding in OA pathogenesis.