Abstract
Fibroblast migration is an integral component of the processes resulting in the formation of restrictive adhesions in the injured tendon, especially in Zone II.
Pre-requisites for cell migration are an intact cytoskeleton and an ability to biochemically degrade the extra-cellular matrix. The relative characteristics of fibroblasts from the fibro-osseus sheath (SC), the tissue surrounding the tendon in Zone II, and the endotenon (TC) with respect to morphology, cytoskeletal structure and ability to produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 were compared in vitro.
It was found that SCs were larger in size and demonstrated greater amounts of intra-cellular alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and intra-membranous vinculin. Filamentous actin (F-actin) fibres in SCs were more densely packed and concentrated, resulting in stress fibres. The SCs also produce greater amounts of MMP-2 and MMP-9 compared to TCs.
These observations imply that SCs play an active role in adhesion formation and should be specifically targeted to inhibit or treat tendon adhesions.
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