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Regional and age variations in growing tendon
S L Curwin1, R R Roy, A C Vailas
1School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Journal of Morphology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Chicken tendon growth is rapid, with compositional changes occurring by 12 weeks. The distal tendon region shows distinct composition, making it unsuitable for sampling.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical engineering
- Connective tissue research
- Animal physiology
Background:
- Tendon development involves complex compositional and structural changes.
- Understanding growth patterns is crucial for interpreting tendon properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate regional variations in chicken gastrocnemius tendon composition and growth.
- To analyze changes in cellularity, collagen crosslinks, and glycosaminoglycans with age.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gastrocnemius tendon samples from chickens at 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age.
- Assessment of DNA concentration, hydroxyproline (HYP), hexuronate, glucosamine, galactosamine, and hydroxypyridinium (OHP) crosslinks.
- Evaluation of collagen fibril diameter and distribution.
Main Results:
- Tendon mass increased significantly with age, outpacing body weight gain.
- No significant age-related changes in cellularity or OHP crosslinks were observed.
- HYP concentration increased, while hexuronate, glucosamine, and galactosamine decreased by 12 weeks.
- The distal tendon region exhibited lower HYP and higher GAGs/OHP crosslinks compared to proximal and middle regions.
- Collagen fibril diameter increased with age, with a broader distribution in older tendons.
Conclusions:
- Rapid tendon growth occurs throughout the examined period in chickens.
- Mature tendon characteristics, like increased OHP crosslinks, are not yet developed in young hatchlings due to extensive new tissue formation.
- Regional compositional differences exist, indicating the distal tendon is less representative and should be avoided for sampling.