Grant Amount: $12,960

Dr. Mandi J. Lopez, DVM PhD, Louisiana State University

January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005

Breed(s): -All Dogs

Disease(s): Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Abstract

"We propose to characterize synoviocytes surrounding normal canine cranial cruciate ligaments (CCL) using a combination of histopathology and immunohistochemistry. To our knowledge, there are no reports of the specific phenotype of synovial cells surrounding the CCL in any species. Previous attempts to characterize joint capsular synovial cell lines have been inconclusive, and there are conflicting reports in the literature surrounding the origin of such synoviocytes. In this study, we aim to conclusively identify the various cell populations within the synovium surrounding the canine CCL using a combination of previously employed techniques including immunohistochemistry, special stains, and electron microscopy. Information surrounding the synoviocyte population enveloping the normal canine CCL will be compared to that surrounding damaged or ruptured CCLs obtained from dogs undergoing stifle stabilization surgery in future studies. Our goal is to develop an in vitro cell culture system of canine CCL synovial cells to evaluate cell behavior under injurious or therapeutic conditions. This in-depth investigation of CCL synoviocytes has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of CCL disease in the dog by providing the basis for future studies surrounding the pathogenesis of CCL rupture, prevention of CCL rupture in predisposed breeds, and reduction of contralateral CCL tears."