Regional differences in biochemical, biomechanical and histomorphological characteristics of the equine suspensory ligament

摘要: Summary Reasons for performing study: Desmopathies of the suspensory ligament are relatively frequent and vary in prevalence over different anatomical regions. This variation may be because regional differences tissue characteristics. Objective: To characterise regions healthy forelimb ligaments (SLs) by means biochemical, biomechanical histomorphological techniques. Hypothesis: There is substantial topographical heterogeneity SL with respect to structural, compositional functional characteristics. Methods: SLs were harvested from 38 limbs used biochemical (n = 20), 14) 4) evaluation. Sulphated glycosaminoglycan (S-GAG), DNA collagen content, degree lysyl hydroxylation numbers enzymatic nonenzymatic cross-links determined 7 SL: lateral medial part origin (OM, OL), mid-body (MB), axial abaxial parts branches (ILAX, ILAB, IMAX IMAB, respectively). Passive resistance tensile loading was measured 5 (all except OL OM). Results: content lower OM than all other parts. GAG also highest ILAB IMAB. Collagen OL/OM ILAX/IMAX. Pentosidine levels significantly insertion (ILAX/ILAB). no hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP) or hydroxylation. Stiffness (P<0.01) modulus elasticity substantially higher MB region Strain at failure (P<0.0001), resulting a comparable force rupture as regions. Conclusions: Matrix composition differs limited extent between SL. The stiffer branches, which have similar properties relevance mechanical branches/origin explain some use-related lesions.