Spatial relationships between fibroblasts during the growth of rat-tail tendon

摘要: Sections of tendons from the base tail rats were taken at eight time intervals 18 days in utero until 244 after birth and examined electron microscope. For each period, measurements made relative area fibroblasts, collagen interstitial material, number fibroblasts per unit tendon average individual fibroblasts. The spatial arrangement sections was described quantitatively using “nearest neighbor” method. Initially there a rapid increase accompanied by decrease occupied but 104 age these values changed very little. numbers decreased steadily embryo whereas size cell increased to reach maximum 40 then declined. At all cells arranged regular, dispersed pattern across fascicles. Growth width rat appears involve secretion other intercellular material symmetrically around fibroblast, so as gradually separate stage is reached which are sufficiently far apart that little contact between adjacent processes. This may interfere with integration metabolic activity tissue. As consequence, shrinkage bodies reduction secretory that, 55 age, enters period terminal senescence.