[Effect of chronic vitamin D deficiency on joint cartilage]

The effect of six-months rachitic diet on the articular cartilage of 12 white Whistar male rats has been studied using light, polarisation, and electronmicroscopes. On the basis of our observations radical changes could be noticed. The intracellular accumulation of glycogen and lipid and the necrosis of cells in the proof/inner/zone indicate the modifications of the cell's structure. The effect of permanent diet on the ground substance of articular cartilage was identified by irregular collagen fibers, and quantitative and qualitative changes of GAGs. On the basis of several author's argumentations it can be supposed that different illness/insufficiency of liver and kidney, and disturbance of resorption in human/can induce similar changes of articular cartilage which was produced by a long term rachitic diet. The cytological picture after long lasting rachitic diet is comparable with the arthrosis.