Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
Online ISSN : 1347-7439
Print ISSN : 0916-7250
ISSN-L : 0916-7250
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Control of the Collagen Fibril Diameter in the Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon in Horses by Decorin
Takafumi WATANABEYoshinao HOSAKAEtsuko YAMAMOTOHiromi UEDAKenji SUGAWARAHeishichiro TAKAHASHIKazushige TAKEHANA
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2005 Volume 67 Issue 9 Pages 855-860

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Abstract

The distribution pattern of collagen fibril diameter in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is known to differ in central and peripheral areas of some regions. This study reports the essence of collagen fibril differences among different regions of the equine SDFT by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and high-voltage electron microscopic observations and biochemical analysis. The distribution of large collagen fibrils increased but the density of collagen fibrils decreased from the proximal metacarpal region to the distal metacarpal region. Large collagen fibrils with an irregular cross-sectional profile were found more frequently in the middle metacarpal region than in other regions. Three-dimensional reconstruction of images of irregularly shaped collagen fibrils revealed that these fibrils are formed through fusion of small collagen fibrils with large ones. The amount of decorin, which reportedly inhibits the lateral fusion of collagen fibrils, decreased in the direction of the distal metacarpal region. On the other hand, the size of decorin gradually increased in the direction of the distal metacarpal region. These results suggest that regional differences in collagen fibril distribution and density of collagen fibrils in the SDFT are due, at least in part, to fusion of collagen fibrils and the concomitant regional differences in the amount and size of decorin.

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© 2005 by the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science

この記事はクリエイティブ・コモンズ [表示 - 非営利 - 改変禁止 4.0 国際]ライセンスの下に提供されています。
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.ja
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