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Ultrastructural localization of alkaline phosphatase activity in the normal and osteochondrotic joint cartilage of growing pigs.

The present study aimed to describe the ultrastructural localization of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in articular-epiphyseal growth cartilage of the commercial pig and the minipig of wild hog ancestry, comparing areas with a normal endochondral ossification with those where the calcification of the matrix is insufficient, as in osteochondrotic cartilage. Intense AP activity was primarily present in the cytoplasm, the plasmalemmae, the long cellular processes and the matrix vesicles budding off from proliferative and hypertrophic chondrocytes in those areas of cartilage where normal calcification appeared. In the osteochondrotic cartilage, the only detectable AP activity was restricted to a few morphologically viable hypertrophic cells in the surroundings of the lesion. The lack of AP activity could partially explain the insufficient calcification of the osteochondrotic cartilage.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Early skeletal development in Talpa europaea, the common European mole.

An ontogenetic series of 22 cleared and double-stained prenatal specimens was used to study the sequence of ossification of selected postcranial skeletal elements of Talpa europaea. Results were compared with nine other therian mammals, with Alligator, Chelydra, and Lacerta as outgroups. Using the event-pairing method, shifts in the onset of ossification in T. europaea, Sus, and Homo were identified. In T. europaea, the ossification of the cervical vertebrae starts before the metatarsals. In Homo and Sus, the tarsals ossify before the pubic bone. These shifts in the sequence of ossification are unique among the mammals examined, whereas many other changes, characterising monophyletic groups and/or evolving convergently, were also identified. Particular attention was given to some peculiar calcified elements of the hand in T. europaea, which were identified as accessory ;sesamoid bones', and do not display a chondrified precursor. They start to calcify before all others of the hand and later fuse. They appear in all fingers and function as reinforcement for the distal phalanges, most likely as an adaptation for burrowing. The development of the sesamoid bones was examined using histological sections and macerated adults.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

The applicability of North American growth standards in developing countries.

For the purpose of developmental evaluation of growing children and the nutritional assessment of individuals or populations, reliance on current North American standards for size, maturational timing, body fatness or osseous development may be unwise not only with respect to various African, Asiatic and Pacific populations but often with respect to adults and children in North America. In particular, the dental development and early ossification progress of most human groups are in advance of contemporary North American standards. The use of stature as a reference standard and the simple ratio of weight to height are both unsatisfactory measures except within clearly defined population samples. At the very least, age-size tables based on parental statures would be more realistic and useful for children of known parentage, whereas present-day averages that neglect parental size are most applicable to foundlings and illegitimate children.

Adolescent↗

The two faces of growth: benefits and risks to bone integrity.

Bones grow by two processes: cortical bone is made by periosteal apposition (growth in width), and cancellous bone is made by endochondral ossification (growth in length). In both the axial and appendicular skeleton, about half of peak adult bone mass is accumulated during the adolescent growth spurt, which occurs two years earlier in girls than in boys, and is under pituitary control via interactions between growth hormone and sex hormones. Throughout growth, but particularly during adolescence, the ability of bone to adapt to mechanical loading is much greater than after maturity. This is the main reason why the effects of physical activity on bone are greater in cross-sectional studies in young athletes than in longitudinal studies in previously sedentary adults. In wild animals, by the time growth has ceased, the bones must be as strong as they will ever need to be, and attainment of further strength after cessation of growth would serve no biologic purpose. Adaptation of growing bone to mechanical loading is the purpose of the mechanostat, which enables physiologic adaptation in individuals to establish and maintain a species-specific property of the bones that is determined by evolutionary adaptation in populations. But growth confers risks as well as benefits to the skeleton. The large increase in incidence of upper extremity (particularly lower forearm) fractures, coincident with the adolescent growth spurt in both sexes, is due to an increase in cortical porosity as a consequence of an increase in intracortical bone turnover, which supplies some of the calcium needed by the growing ends of the long bones. This enables an increased demand for calcium to be spread over a longer time, analogous to the cyclic physiologic osteoporosis which occurs during the antler growth cycle in deer. The subsequent decline in cortical porosity is responsible for the continued increase in radial bone density after cessation of growth, referred to as consolidation. In the present state of knowledge, an increased incidence of fracture during the adolescent growth spurt is the inescapable consequence of an appropriate level of physical activity, and is the price that has to be paid in order to maximize bone accumulation during growth and minimize fracture risk in old age.

Adolescent↗

Expression of four growth factors during fracture repair.

Fracture repair offers an opportunity to study the physiology of bone formation at the fracture site. Isolation of growth factors from bone matrix has implicated growth factors as participants in bone physiology. We therefore examined the expression patterns of aFGF, IGF-I, PDGF, and TGF-beta during fracture repair. An animal model has been developed to study repair of tibial fractures. The model provides both reproducible and quantifiable results, allowing the fracture repair process to be divided into four stages (Bourque et al., Lab. Anim. Sci 42: 369-374, 1992). Fractured tibiae were examined immunohistochemically with polyclonal antibodies to four growth factors. PDGF was visualized in macrophages in close proximity to the periosteum during stage 1. aFGF was visualized in cells of the expanded cambial layer and was associated with a rapid increase in the population of fibroblast-like mesenchymal cells during stage 2. IGF-I was visualized in young chondroblasts at the edge of the cartilage mass replacing the fibrous callus during stage 3. TGF-beta was visualized in calcified matrix producing chondrocytes at the edge of ossification fronts penetrating the cartilage callus during stage 4. The immunohistochemical results suggest that these growth factors act as local simulators of the repair process.

Animals↗

Connective tissue growth factor coordinates chondrogenesis and angiogenesis during skeletal development.

Coordinated production and remodeling of the extracellular matrix is essential during development. It is of particular importance for skeletogenesis, as the ability of cartilage and bone to provide structural support is determined by the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is a secreted protein containing several domains that mediate interactions with growth factors, integrins and extracellular matrix components. A role for CTGF in extracellular matrix production is suggested by its ability to mediate collagen deposition during wound healing. CTGF also induces neovascularization in vitro, suggesting a role in angiogenesis in vivo. To test whether CTGF is required for extracellular matrix remodeling and/or angiogenesis during development, we examined the pattern of Ctgf expression and generated Ctgf-deficient mice. Ctgf is expressed in a variety of tissues in midgestation embryos, with highest levels in vascular tissues and maturing chondrocytes. We confirmed that CTGF is a crucial regulator of cartilage extracellular matrix remodeling by generating Ctgf(-/-) mice. Ctgf deficiency leads to skeletal dysmorphisms as a result of impaired chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix composition within the hypertrophic zone. Decreased expression of specific extracellular matrix components and matrix metalloproteinases suggests that matrix remodeling within the hypertrophic zones in Ctgf mutants is defective. The mutant phenotype also revealed a role for Ctgf in growth plate angiogenesis. Hypertrophic zones of Ctgf mutant growth plates are expanded, and endochondral ossification is impaired. These defects are linked to decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the hypertrophic zones of Ctgf mutants. These results demonstrate that CTGF is important for cell proliferation and matrix remodeling during chondrogenesis, and is a key regulator coupling extracellular matrix remodeling to angiogenesis at the growth plate.

Animals↗

The parathyroid hormone family of peptides: structure, tissue distribution, regulation, and potential functional roles in calcium and phosphate balance in fish.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related protein (PTHrP) are two factors that share amino acid sequence homology and act via a common receptor. In tetrapods, PTH is the main endocrine factor acting in bone and kidney to regulate calcium and phosphate. PTHrP is an essential paracrine developmental factor present in many tissues and is involved in the regulation of ossification, mammary gland development, muscle relaxation, and other functions. Fish apparently lack an equivalent of the parathyroid gland and were long thought to be devoid of PTH. Only in recent years has the existence of PTH-like peptides and their receptors in fish been firmly established. Two forms of PTH, two of PTHrP, and a protein with intermediate characteristics designated PTH-L are encoded by separate genes in teleost fish. Three receptors encoded by separate genes in fish mediate PTH/PTHrP actions, whereas only two receptors have so far been found in terrestrial vertebrates. PTHrP has been more intensively studied than PTH, from lampreys to advanced teleosts. It is expressed in many tissues and is present in high concentration in fish blood. Administration of this peptide alters calcium metabolism and has marked effects on associated gene expression and enzyme activity in vivo and in vitro. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological roles, distribution, and molecular relationships of the piscine PTH-like peptides.

Animals↗

Review of the effects of anti-angiogenic compounds on the epiphyseal growth plate.

The formation of new blood vessels from a pre-existing vascular bed, termed "angiogenesis," is of critical importance for the growth and development of the animal since it is required for the growth of the skeleton during endochondral ossification, development and cycling of the corpus luteum and uterus, and for the repair of tissues during wound healing. "Vasculogenesis," the de novo formation of blood vessels is also important for the proper function and development of the vascular system in the embryo. New blood vessel formation is a prominent feature and permissive factor in the relentless progression of many human diseases, one of the most important examples of which is neoplasia. It is for this reason that angiogenesis is considered to be one of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of new classes of drugs that inhibit the growth and proper functioning of new blood vessels in vivo is likely to provide significant therapeutic benefit in the treatment of cancer, as well as other conditions where angiogenesis is a strong driver to the disease process. During the preclinical safety testing of these drugs, it is becoming increasingly clear that their in vivo efficacy is reflected in the profile of "expected toxicity" (resulting from pharmacology) observed in laboratory animals, so much so, that this profile of "desired" toxicity may act as a signature for their anti-angiogenic effect. In this article we review the major mechanisms controlling angiogenesis and its role during endochondral ossification. We also review the effects of perturbation of endochondral ossification through four mechanisms-inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pp60 c-Src kinase and matrix metalloproteinases as well as disruption of the blood supply with vascular targeting agents. Inhibition through each of these mechanisms appears to have broadly similar effects on the epiphyseal growth plate characterised by thickening due to the retention of hypertrophic chondrocytes resulting from the inhibition of angiogenesis. In contrast, in the metaphysis there are differing effects reflecting the specific role of these targets at this site.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

MMP-9/gelatinase B is a key regulator of growth plate angiogenesis and apoptosis of hypertrophic chondrocytes.

Homozygous mice with a null mutation in the MMP-9/gelatinase B gene exhibit an abnormal pattern of skeletal growth plate vascularization and ossification. Although hypertrophic chondrocytes develop normally, apoptosis, vascularization, and ossification are delayed, resulting in progressive lengthening of the growth plate to about eight times normal. After 3 weeks postnatal, aberrant apoptosis, vascularization, and ossification compensate to remodel the enlarged growth plate and ultimately produce an axial skeleton of normal appearance. Transplantation of wild-type bone marrow cells rescues vascularization and ossification in gelatinase B-null growth plates, indicating that these processes are mediated by gelatinase B-expressing cells of bone marrow origin, designated chondroclasts. Growth plates from gelatinase B-null mice in culture show a delayed release of an angiogenic activator, establishing a role for this proteinase in controlling angiogenesis.

Animals↗

Skeletal development and bone functional adaptation.

The role of in vivo mechanical loading histories in normal skeletogenesis is related to the process of adaptive, stress-regulated bone remodeling in the adult. The results of many previous computer models for endochondral ossification and bone modeling and remodeling are reviewed. These studies support the view that simple stress-related mathematical algorithms or "construction rules" can be used to emulate normal skeletal development and architectural construction. Such mathematical rules presumably represent the net result of biophysical phenomena influencing cell metabolism and biosynthetic activity. These rules are also successful in describing the adaptation of adult bone to changes in tissue stresses. The findings suggest that stress-related functional adaptation in mature bones may be merely the adult manifestation of the same mechanical construction rules that guide and constrain normal development.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Adenoviral VEGF-A gene transfer induces angiogenesis and promotes bone formation in healing osseous tissues.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis. VEGF has been safely and efficiently applied to stimulate neovascularization in ischemic tissues in atherosclerotic patients. VEGF has an important role in bone repair by promoting angiogenesis and by stimulating major skeletal cell populations, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. METHODS: We studied the effect of VEGF-A on the recovery of bone drilling defects in rat femur delivered with first-generation adenoviral vector. The virus was injected into the muscle layer surrounding the bone defect made by drilling and the healing was followed for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. RESULTS: The VEGF effect was first demonstrated with an increased number of FVIII-related antigen-positive blood vessels in the defect area 1 week after the procedure. The proportional area of remaining reparative tissue was significantly reduced in the VEGF-treated animals 2 weeks after the injury suggesting favorable effect on bone healing. Increased periosteal cartilage was seen at the early phases of healing suggesting endochondral ossification. VEGF overexpression, however, completed the endochondral phase earlier compared with the control condition. Bone mineral content was enhanced in the VEGF-treated femurs measured with peripheral quantitative computed tomography at a 2-week time point. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the important role of VEGF in bone healing. We show for the first time that adenoviral VEGF-A gene transfer may modify bone defect healing in a rodent model.

Adenoviridae↗

Cartilage canals in human thyroid cartilage characterized by immunolocalization of collagen types I, II, pro-III, IV and X.

In this study the collagenous composition of cartilage canals in human thyroid cartilage, which are perichondral invaginations of blood vessels and connective tissue, and the surrounding cartilage matrix were investigated by immunolabelling with specific antibodies against type I, II, pro-III, IV and X collagen. During childhood and early adolescence no cartilage canals were detected in thyroid cartilage, and immunolabelling for type IV collagen was restricted to basal lamina components of blood vessels in the perichondrium. First immunolabelling for type IV collagen, belonging to blood vessels in cartilage canals, in both sexes was detected about the end of the second decade; it was localized in the dorsal part of the thyroid cartilage plate. At this time thyroid cartilage has already reached its final form and size. As revealed by von Kossa staining, vascularization preceded mineralization and ossification. In contrast to the male thyroid cartilage plate, no immunostaining for type IV collagen and no ossification was detected in the ventral half of female thyroid cartilage even in advanced age. The extracellular matrix of cells in cartilage canals showed positive immunostaining for collagen types I and pro-III as well as for collagen type II, indicating that the cells in the canal possess fibroblastic and chondrogenic properties. The extracellular matrix of hypertrophic chondrocytes adjacent to cartilage canals showed strong immunoreactivity for type X collagen. First mineralization was detected close to cartilage canals, suggesting that mineralization in human thyroid cartilage starts in the extracellular matrix adjacent to cartilage canals.

Adolescent↗

Role of endochondral ossification of articular cartilage and functional adaptation of the subchondral plate in the development of fatigue microcracking of joints.

The mechanisms that regulate functional adaptation of the articular ends of long bones are poorly understood. However, endochondral ossification of articular cartilage and modeling/remodeling of the subchondral plate and epiphyseal trabeculae are important components of the adaptive response. We performed a histologic study of the distal end of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone of Thoroughbreds after bones were bulk-stained in basic fuchsin and calcified sections were prepared. The Thoroughbred racehorse is a model of an extreme athlete which experiences particularly high cyclic strains in distal limb bones. The following variables were quantified: microcrack boundary density in calcified cartilage (N.Cr/B.Bd); blood vessel boundary density in calcified cartilage (N.Ve/B.Bd); calcified cartilage width (Cl.Cg.Wi); duplication of the tidemark; and bone volume fraction of the subchondral plate (B.Ar/T.Ar). Measurements were made in five joint regions (lateral condyle and condylar groove; sagittal ridge; medial condylar and condylar groove). N.Cr/B.Bd was site-specific and was increased in the condylar groove region; this is the joint region from which parasagittal articular fatigue (condylar) fractures are typically propagated. Formation of resorption spaces in the subchondral plate was co-localized with microcracking. N.Ve/B.Bd was also site-specific. In the sagittal ridge region, N.Ve/B.Bd was increased, Cl.Cg.Wi was decreased, and B.Ar/T.Ar was decreased, when compared with the other joint regions. Multiple tidemarks were seen in all joint regions. Cumulative athletic activity was associated with a significant decrease in B.Ar/T.Ar in the condylar groove regions. N.Cr/B.Bd was positively correlated with B.Ar/T.Ar (P < 0.05, r(s) = 0.29) and N.Ve/B.Bd was negatively correlated with B.Ar/T.Ar (P < 0.005, r2 = 0.14) and Cl.Cg.Wi (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.07). We conclude that endochondral ossification of articular cartilage and modeling/remodeling of the subchondral plate promote initiation and propagation of site-specific fatigue microcracking of the joint surface, respectively, in this model. Microcracking of articular calcified cartilage likely represents mechanical failure of the joint surface. Propagation of microcracks into the subchondral plate is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of articular condylar fatigue (stress) fracture. Functional adaptation of the joint likely protects hyaline cartilage from injury in the short-term but may promote joint degeneration and osteoarthritis with ongoing athleticism.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates bone repair by promoting angiogenesis and bone turnover.

Several growth factors are expressed in distinct temporal and spatial patterns during fracture repair. Of these, vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF, is of particular interest because of its ability to induce neovascularization (angiogenesis). To determine whether VEGF is required for bone repair, we inhibited VEGF activity during secondary bone healing via a cartilage intermediate (endochondral ossification) and during direct bone repair (intramembranous ossification) in a novel mouse model. Treatment of mice with a soluble, neutralizing VEGF receptor decreased angiogenesis, bone formation, and callus mineralization in femoral fractures. Inhibition of VEGF also dramatically inhibited healing of a tibial cortical bone defect, consistent with our discovery of a direct autocrine role for VEGF in osteoblast differentiation. In separate experiments, exogenous VEGF enhanced blood vessel formation, ossification, and new bone (callus) maturation in mouse femur fractures, and promoted bony bridging of a rabbit radius segmental gap defect. Our results at specific time points during the course of healing underscore the role of VEGF in endochondral vs. intramembranous ossification, as well as skeletal development vs. bone repair. The responses to exogenous VEGF observed in two distinct model systems and species indicate that a slow-release formulation of VEGF, applied locally at the site of bone damage, may prove to be an effective therapy to promote human bone repair.

Animals↗

[Role of Wnt in bone formation].

Recently, large body of evidences that Wnt plays an important role in regulation of tissue patterning and skeletogenesis including membranous and enchondral ossification is accumulating. Several genetic studies also indicate that low density lipoprotein receptor related protein (LRP) 5, LRP6, beta-catenin and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor/T-cell factor (LEF/TCF) participate in osteogenic action induced by Wnt family members. In contrast, secreted Frizzled-related proteins and dickkopf (Dkk) proteins, natural Wnt inhibitory factors, inhibit Wnt-dependent osteogenesis, presumably functioning as a negative feedback loop. In addition, Wnt signaling interacts with BMP signaling, thereby modulating its osteogenic action. Thus, the network systems of Wnt signaling temporally and spatially controls osteogenic action of Wnt family members.

Animals↗

Mechanism for superior subluxation of the glenohumeral joint in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

Progressive heterotopic ossification leads to ankylosis of the major joints in patients who have fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Joint subluxation has not been recognized widely in patients with this disease. The clinical records and radiographs of 79 patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva were reviewed and, it was found that humeral to chest wall synostosis and subluxation of the glenohumeral joint had occurred in 21% of skeletally immature patients and in 74% of skeletally mature patients. In fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, synostosis of the humeral shaft to the chest wall commonly occurs by 7 years of age, well before the age of proximal physeal closure. The continued growth of the proximal humeral physis in the presence of a humeral to chest wall synostosis causes the humeral head to migrate superiorly, thus promoting growth related subluxation. The clinical significance of this finding for patients who have fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva is unknown, but this unique model will be useful in the study of shoulder biomechanics and growth plate physiology.

Adolescent↗

Gene-mediated osteogenic differentiation of stem cells by bone morphogenetic proteins-2 or -6.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSC) hold promise for targeted osteogenic differentiation and can be augmented by delivery of genes encoding bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP). The feasibility of promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMDMSC was investigated using two BMP genes in monolayer and three-dimensional alginate culture systems. Cultured BMDMSC were transduced with E1-deleted adenoviral vectors containing either human BMP2 or BMP6 coding sequence under cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter control [17:1 multiplicities of infection (moi)] and either sustained in monolayer or suspended in 1 mL 1.2% alginate beads for 22 days. Adenovirus (Ad)-BMP-2 and Ad-BMP-6 transduction resulted in abundant BMP-2 and BMP-6 mRNA and protein expression in monolayer culture and BMP-2 protein expression in alginate cultures. Ad-BMP-2 and Ad-BMP-6 transduced BMDMSC in monolayer had earlier and robust alkaline phosphatase-positive staining and mineralization and were sustained for a longer duration with better morphology scores than untransduced or Ad-beta-galactosidase-transduced cells. Ad-BMP-2- and, to a lesser degree, Ad-BMP-6-transduced BMDMSC suspended in alginate demonstrated greater mineralization than untransduced cells. Gene expression studies at day 2 confirmed an inflammatory response to the gene delivery process with upregulation of interleukin 8 and CXCL2. Upregulation of genes consistent with response to BMP exposure and osteogenic differentiation, specifically endochondral ossification and extracellular matrix proteins, occurred in BMP-transduced cells. These data support that transduction of BMDMSC with Ad-BMP-2 or Ad-BMP-6 can accelerate osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of stem cells in culture, including in three-dimensional culture. BMP-2-transduced stem cells suspended in alginate culture may be a practical carrier system to support bone formation in vivo. BMP-6 induced a less robust cellular response than BMP-2, particularly in alginate culture.

Adenoviridae↗

Impaired endochondral ossification and angiogenesis in mice deficient in membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase I.

Membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase I (MT1-MMP)-deficient mice were found to have severe defects in skeletal development and angiogenesis. The craniofacial, axial, and appendicular skeletons were severely affected, leading to a short and domed skull, marked deceleration of postnatal growth, and death by 3 wk of age. Shortening of bones is a consequence of decreased chondrocyte proliferation in the proliferative zone of the growth plates. Defective vascular invasion of cartilage leads to enlargement of hypertrophic zones of growth plates and delayed formation of secondary ossification centers in long bones. In an in vivo corneal angiogenesis assay, null mice did not have angiogenic response to implanted FGF-2, suggesting that the defect in angiogenesis is not restricted to cartilage alone. In tissues from null mice, activation of latent matrix metalloproteinase 2 was deficient, suggesting that MT1-MMP is essential for its activation in vivo.

Animals↗