The effects of mechanical stability on the macromolecules of the connective tissue matrices produced during fracture healing. II. The glycosaminoglycans

Keratan sulfate as a marker for medullary bone in fossil vertebrates

The ability to determine the sex of extinct dinosaurs by examining the bones they leave behind would revolutionize our understanding of their paleobiology; however, to date, definitive sex-specific skeletal traits remain elusive or controversial. Although living dinosaurs (i.e., extant birds) exhibit a sex-specific tissue called medullary bone that is unique to females, the confident identification of this tissue in non-avian archosaurs has proven a challenge. Tracing the evolution of medullary bone is complicated by existing variation of medullary bone tissues in living species; hypotheses that medullary bone structure or chemistry varied during its evolution; and a lack of studies aimed at distinguishing medullary bone from other types of endosteal tissues with which it shares microstructural and developmental characteristics, such as pathological tissues. A recent study attempted to capitalize on the molecular signature of medullary bone, which, in living birds, contains specific markers such as the sulfated glycosaminoglycan keratan sulfate, to support the proposed identification of medullary bone of a non-avian dinosaur specimen (Tyrannosaurus rex MOR 1125). Purported medullary bone samples of MOR 1125 reacted positively to histochemical analyses and the single pathological control tested (avian osteopetrosis) did not, suggesting the presence of keratan sulfate might serve to definitively discriminate these tissues for future studies. To further test these results, we sampled 20 avian bone pathologies of various etiologies (18 species), and several MB samples. Our new data universally support keratan sulfate as a reliable marker of medullary bone in birds. However, we also find that reactivity varies among pathological bone tissues, with reactivity in some pathologies indistinguishable from MB. In the current sample, some pathologies comprised of chondroid bone (often a major constituent of skeletal pathologies and developing fracture calluses in vertebrates) contain keratan sulfate. We note that beyond chemistry, chondroid bone shares many characteristics with medullary bone (fibrous matrix, numerous and large cell lacunae, potential endosteal origin, trabecular architecture) and medullary bone has even been considered by some to be a type of chondroid bone. Our results suggest that the presence of keratan sulfate is not exclusive evidence for MB, but rather must be used as one in a suite of criteria available for identifying medullary bone (and thus gravid females) in non-avian dinosaur specimens. Future studies should investigate whether there are definite chemical or microstructural differences between medullary bone and reactive chondroid bone that can discriminate these tissues.

Bone development

The sequential cellular and molecular details of the initial embryonic formation of bone can be used to gain insight into the control of this process and subsequent bone physiology and repair. The functioning of osteogenic cells is governed by a complex balance between the intrinsic capacities of these cells in the context of extrinsic information and signalling. As with other mesenchymal tissues, the balance of intrinsic versus extrinsic capacities and influences is central to understanding both the sequence and consequence of bone development. It has been suggested that the cartilaginous model which forms at the centre of limbs is responsible for, and provides the scaffolding for, subsequent bone formation. Our recent studies of the embryonic chick tibia indicate that osteogenic progenitor cells are observed before the formation of the chondrogenic core. In particular, a layer of four to six cells, referred to as Stacked Cells, forms around a prechondrogenic core of undifferentiated cells. These osteoprogenitor cells give rise to all of the newly forming bone. Importantly, this newly forming bone arises outside and away from the chondrogenic core in a manner similar to the intramembranous bone formation seen in calvariae. Indeed, the cartilaginous core is replaced not by bone but by vascular and marrow tissues. The interplay between the osteogenic collar and the chondrogenic core provides an environment which stimulates the further differentiation of the cartilage core into hypertrophic cartilage and eventually renders this core replaceable by vascular and marrow tissue. There is an intimate relationship between the osteogenic cells and the vasculature which is obligatory for active bone formation. Bone formation in long bones, such as the tibia, as well as in the calvaria seems to proceed in a similar manner, with vascular tissue interaction being the most important aspect of successful osteogenesis, as opposed to the presence or interaction of cartilage. Our studies have focused on the development of long bones in aves, but detailed study of mouse and man indicates that many of the general features observed for birds apply to bone development in mammals. It is our current thesis that the general rules governing embryonic formation of long bones also apply to the formation of ectopic bone and are related to aspects of fracture repair.

Cyclic hydrostatic compression stimulates chondroinduction of C3H/10T1/2 cells

While the potential for intermittent hydrostatic pressure to promote cartilaginous matrix synthesis is well established, its potential to influence chondroinduction remains poorly understood. This study examined the effects of relatively short- and long-duration cyclic hydrostatic compression on the chondroinduction of C3H/10T1/2 murine embryonic fibroblasts by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Cells were seeded at high density into round bottom wells of a 96-well plate and supplemented with 25 ng/ml rhBMP-2. Experimental cultures were subjected to either 1,800 cycles/day or 7,200 cycles/day of 1 Hz sinusoidal hydrostatic compression to 5 MPa (applied 10 min on/10 min off) for 3 days. Non-pressurized control and experimental cultures were maintained in static culture for an additional 5 days. Cultures were then analyzed for alcian blue staining intensity, DNA and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content, and for the rate of collagen synthesis. Whereas cultures subjected to 1,800 pressure cycles exhibited no significant differences (statistical or qualitative) compared to controls, those subjected to 7,200 cycles stained more intensely with alcian blue, contained nearly twice as much sGAG, and displayed twice the rate of collagen synthesis as non-pressurized controls. This study demonstrates the potential for cyclic hydrostatic compression to stimulate chondrogenic differentiation of the C3H/10T1/2 cell line in a duration-dependent manner.

Long-term endothelial dysfunction is more pronounced after stenting than after balloon angioplasty in porcine coronary arteries

OBJECTIVE

To compare percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stent implantation with respect to the long-term changes they induce in the newly formed endothelium in porcine coronary arteries by studying both morphological and functional parameters of the endothelium at 2 weeks and 3 months after intervention.

BACKGROUND

Problems affecting PTCA or stent implantation have been overcome to a large extent by means of better techniques and the availability of new drugs. Late problems, however, still exist in that restenosis affects a large number of patients. With an increasing number of patients being treated with stents, the problem of in-stent restenosis is of even greater concern, as this seems difficult to treat. A functional endothelial lining is thought to be important in controlling the growth of the underlying vascular tissue. We hypothesized that the enhanced neointimal hyperplasia observed after stenting is associated with a more pronounced and prolonged endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

Arteries were analyzed using a dye-exclusion test and planimetry of permeable areas. Thereafter, the arteries were processed for light and scanning electron microscopy for assessment of morphology and proliferative response.

RESULTS

Leakage of the endothelium for molecules such as Evans blue-albumin as well as prolonged endothelial proliferation is observed as late as 3 months after the intervention, and is more pronounced after stenting. Permeability is associated with distinct morphologic characteristics: endothelial retraction, the expression of surface folds, and the adhesion of leukocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenting especially decreases long-term vascular integrity with respect to permeability and endothelial proliferation, and is associated with distinct morphologic characteristics.

The proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycan chains of rabbit synovium

The synovial lining of joint capsules is important because it controls the flow of fluid into and out of the joint cavity. Physiological studies have shown that the glycosaminoglycans, particularly hyaluronan, have an important role in the control of fluid flow. The distribution of the glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the synovium and subsynovium of rabbits (approximately 12 weeks old) was, therefore, determined immunohistochemically. Hyaluronan, chondroitin-4- and chondroitin-6-sulphates and keratan sulphate are present in the synovium and subsynovium; chondroitin-4-sulphate is at higher concentrations than chondroitin-6-sulphate. The core proteins of the chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans, biglycan and decorin, and of the keratan sulphate proteoglycan, fibromodulin, are also present. To date, fibromodulin has not been located in other synovial linings, and its presence corroborates that of keratan sulphate.

In vitro structural and functional relationships between preosteoclastic and bone endothelial cells: a juxtacrine model for migration and adhesion of osteoclast precursors

The role of vascularization in the process of bone resorption has not been clarified. The interactions between vascular endothelium and osteoclast progenitors were analyzed using clonal cell lines of bone-derived endothelial and preosteoclastic cells. Insulin-like growth factor I is a major chemotactic stimulator of preosteoclastic cell migration mediated by bone endothelial cells. Osteoclast precursors rapidly adhered to bone endothelial monolayers. This phenomenon appeared to be cell-specific and mediated through the binding of vitronectin and fibronectin receptors to fibronectin. In addition, direct contact with bone endothelial cells induced osteoclast progenitors to differentiate into more mature elements, with the tendency to cluster together to form large multinucleated cells. These findings demonstrated specific in vitro interactions between bone endothelial cells and osteoclast progenitors, offering a new model for understanding the molecular mechanisms which direct the processes of osteoclast recruitment and ontogeny.

Characterization of the extracellular matrix of the primate temporomandibular joint

The distribution of type I and II collagens, fibronectin and the fibronectin-integrin receptor, tenascin, laminin, link protein, and cartilage-specific glycosaminoglycans was examined in the primate temporomandibular joint complex using an immunohistochemical approach. In general, type I collagen, fibronectin, and the fibronectin-integrin receptor were found to co-distribute throughout the joint complex. Immunostaining for these proteins was notably intense in the prechondroblastic and mineralization zones of the articular cartilages of the joint. Tenascin was identified in several structures of the joint, including the articular cartilages, where intense staining was observed in the prechondroblastic and cartilagenous zones. Laminin was detected only in the adventitia of blood vessels located in the attachment tissues of the disc and joint synovium. Cartilage-specific glycosaminoglycans and type II collagen were observed in the cartilagenous zones of the articular cartilages of the mandibular condyle and temporal bone. In addition, immunostaining for cartilage-specific glycosaminoglycans also was detected throughout the extracellular matrix surrounding "chondrocyte-like" cells located in the joint disc. Despite the localization of cartilage-specific glycosaminoglycans in the disc, type II collagen was not detected in this structure. It is suggested that a fibronectin-integrin receptor mechanism may be involved in the regulation of growth of the articular cartilages of the temporomandibular joint.

The collagens and glycosaminoglycans of the extracellular matrices secreted by bone marrow stromal cells cultured in vivo in diffusion chambers

When rabbit bone marrow cells are cultured in a diffusion chamber implanted into the peritoneal cavity of an athymic mouse, the stromal cells proliferate, differentiate, and produce tissues that have the morphological features of loose fibrous tissue, woven or chondroid bone, and cartilage. The collagens synthesized during the development of the tissues from 7 to 28 days after implantation were identified using specific antibodies to rabbit types I, II, III, and V and rat type IX collagens, while the glycosaminoglycans were characterized histochemically using the dye, Alcian blue. Fibrous tissue forms in the first week and it contains types I, III, and V collagens and hyaluronan. Bone and cartilage develop within the fibrous tissue from about 12 days onwards. The bone matrix contains types I and V collagens, and chondroitin and keratan sulphates. The cartilaginous matrix contains types II and IX collagens, and chondroitin and keratan sulphates. Small amounts of type III collagen are found in the bone, and types I, III, and V collagens in the cartilage. These are thought to be the remnants of the fibrous matrix and decrease as the matrices mature. It is concluded that the tissue in diffusion chambers, formed by a small number of early precursor cells present in the soft tissues of the endosteum and marrow of young rabbits, contains extracellular matrix macromolecules similar to those found in bone and cartilage.

Chondroitin sulfates in developing mouse tooth germs. An immunohistochemical study with monoclonal antibodies against chondroitin-4 and chondroitin-6 sulfates

The role of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans during ontogenesis is not known. The developing tooth offers a potentially important model for studies of structure-function relationships. In this study, we have analysed the temproal and spatial expression of chondroitins of differing sulfation patterns in embryonic molars and incisors. For this purpose, we have used monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) specific for unsulfated, 4-sulfated, and 6-sulfated forms of chondroitin in conjunction with indirect immunofluorescence or immunoperoxidase labeling. Unsulfated chondroitin was not detected in embryonic teeth. Chondroitin 4- and chondroitin 6-sulfates were present in the stellate reticulum but otherwise they were confined to the dental mesenchyme. The 3B3 and MC21C-epitope, which are markers of 6-sulfated chondroitin, were uniformly distributed in the dental mesenchyme during the bud stage; they disappeared from the dental papilla of the cusps and of the anterior region of the incisor as development proceeded. These epitopes were absent from the basement membrane and from the predentin. In the odontoblastic cell lineage, the 3B3 and MC21C-epitopes were detected only between preodontoblasts at an early stage of differentiation. The monoclonal antibody 2B6 served as a probe to localize chondroitin 4-sulfate. This glycosaminoglycan was detected as early as the dental lamina stage but its expression was restricted to the basement membrane of the teeth until the late bell stage. After the onset of cusp formation, strong staining was also observed over the occlusal region of the dental papilla while the cervical region of the dental papilla remained 2B6-negative. Incisors at the bell stage exhibited a decreasing gradient of immunostaining by 2B6 from their anterior region to their posterior end. The extracellular matrix surrounding preodontoblasts reacted with 2B6 and the predentin, produced by the odontoblasts, was also intensely labeled with this antibody. Comparison between immunostaining with 3B3 and 2B6, on consecutive sections revealed a mutually exclusive pattern of distribution of the corresponding epitopes during odontogenesis. Furthermore, in the continuously growing incisor, a striking positive correlation was found between the immunostaining patterns produced by 3B3 and MC21C and the mitotic indices along the anterior-posterior axis of the tooth. Hence, sulfation of chondroitin seems developmentally regulated. We postulate that changes in the sulfation pattern of chondroitin might play a role in ontogenesis by locally altering the functional properties of the extracellular matrix.

Transient expression of a chondroitin sulfate-related epitope during cartilage histomorphogenesis in the axial skeleton of fetal rats

A monoclonal antibody (MC21C), raised in mouse in response to a mixture of bone proteins, was found to exhibit a unique reactivity toward native chondroitin sulfate chains. Indirect immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase assays were performed on tissue sections at different stages of fetal rat development, in order to investigate the distribution of the MC21C epitope during cartilage morphogenesis and differentiation. This extracellular marker was present in the sclerotome and its distribution subsequently followed the segmentation pattern of the precartilaginous vertebral column. In addition, changes in the MC21C-immunostaining pattern strongly correlated with the initial growth of the vertebrae. In the axial skeleton (spinal column, basis cranii), the immunostaining by MC21C was maximum in precartilaginous condensations and then rapidly disappeared during the process of chondrification. Also, the perinotochordal matrix was intensely immunostained.

Differentiation of the organic matrix in bone repair

This study describes the sequence of production and distribution of collagen, collagen types, proteoglycans, and calcium during bone repair in rabbits utilizing histologic and biochemical techniques. Proteoglycan content peaked 11 days following surgery and total collagen peaked 19 days after surgery, after which both levels decreased. Collagen Types I and III were present in the bone defect throughout the healing process but Type II was found only in the mid stages of repair. In the surrounding external callus Types I, II, and III were present, but Type III was not noted in the later stages of healing. These results are similar to those found in studies of fracture repair and developing bone.

The effects of mechanical stability on the macromolecules of the connective tissue matrices produced during fracture healing. I. The collagens

The distribution of types I, II, III, V and IX collagens in healing fractures of the rabbit tibia has been demonstrated by immunofluorescent techniques. It has also been shown that the mechanical stability of the healing fracture affects both the distribution and types of the collagens present. The initial fibrous matrix contains types III and V collagens; type I collagen was only located in this matrix if unfixed tissue was used. In mechanically stable fractures, cancellous bone forms over the entire periosteal surface by 5-7 days; type I collagen is laid down within the previous fibrous matrix. The trabeculae are heterogeneous in their collagen content. The cavities contain a matrix of types III and V collagens. Small nodules of cartilage may be present between 7 and 14 days; these contain types II and IX collagens. In mechanically unstable fractures, cancellous bone is initially formed away from the fracture gap. The fibrous tissue over the gap is replaced by cartilage; types II and IX collagens are laid down on the pre-existing fibrous matrix. The cartilage is replaced by endochondral ossification. At the ossification front, type I collagen is found around the chondrocyte lacunae of the spicules of cartilage. The new trabeculae contain a core of cartilage which is surrounded by a bone matrix of types I and V collagens. The fracture gaps are invaded by fibrous tissue, which contain types III and V collagens. this is later replaced by cancellous bone.