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01-03-2013 | Original Article

Evidence of sympathetic innervation and α1-adrenergic receptors of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon

Authors: Theodoros Tosounidis, Constantine Hadjileontis, Christos Triantafyllou, Varvara Sidiropoulou, Antonios Kafanas, George Kontakis

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science | Issue 2/2013

Abstract

Background

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the sympathetic innervation of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon LHB via immunohistochemical staining for protein S-100 and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in patients with complex proximal humerus fractures, in individuals with chronic biceps tendinosis in the setting of large rotator cuff tears (RC), and in cadaveric samples with no previously reported shoulder pathology.

Methods

We investigated the presence of sympathetic innervation and α1-adrenergic receptors of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHB) in patients with complex proximal humerus fractures and individuals with chronic biceps tendinosis in the setting of large rotator cuff tears (RC). The correlation of morphological features with immunohistochemical evidence of neural element presence was also investigated. Forty-one LHB tendon specimens were examined. Seventeen were harvested from patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures, 14 were from individuals with biceps tendinosis in the context of a large RC tear, and ten were from cadaveric controls with no previous shoulder pathology. Histologic examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of the protein S-100, neuropeptide Y, and α1-adrenergic receptors, as well as to characterize the potential neural differentiation of tendon cells.

Results

A strong correlation between the expression of NPY/S-100, α1-adrenergic/S-100, and α1-adrenergic/NPY was found. The LHB tendon has sympathetic innervation and α1-adrenergic receptors in acute and chronic pathological conditions.

Conclusion

Our results provide useful guidance on the management of tendinosis and the handling of the LHB in hemiarthroplasties for fractures.

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Title: Evidence of sympathetic innervation and α1-adrenergic receptors of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon
Authors: Theodoros Tosounidis
Constantine Hadjileontis
Christos Triantafyllou
Varvara Sidiropoulou
Antonios Kafanas
George Kontakis
Publication date: 01-03-2013
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 0949-2658
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-012-0346-1

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Springer Medicine

Evidence of sympathetic innervation and α1-adrenergic receptors of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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