00833-A: Synoviocyte Phenotypes and Antibodies Associated with Partially Disrupted Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligaments
Grant Status: Closed
Project Summary
The information from this study is considered proprietary until publication. A manuscript is in preparation and anticipated to be accepted within the next six months. A "lay summary" for press release will be generated upon acceptance of the manuscript. All funding support from the AKC Health Foundation will be gladly and gratefully acknowledged. The exact disease process behind spontaneous rupture of the canine cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is not known. Though much research has focused on the structure and function of the ligamentous core of the CrCL, little has been dedicated to the thin layer of cells (synoviocytes) that envelop the CrCL. Similarly, there is little information on the potential role that these cells may have in the degeneration and rupture of the CrCL. It is not known if the cells have only a supportive function or if they become destructive to the CrCL when exposed to the right stimuli. Previously, the researchers successfully identified and quantified three distinct cell types in the thin membrane surrounding the normal canine CrCL. Now in this project, they have compared cell types between normal and diseased or injured ligaments to determine a direct or indirect role in CrCL degeneration and rupture. Another goal of the study was to determine if the cells surrounding the CrCL are targeted by the immune system for destruction. Loss of the cells surrounding the CrCL will compromise the normal maintenance and subsequent function of the structure. Understanding of differences in cell populations surrounding normal versus diseased or injured CrCLs will contribute to knowledge of CrCL degeneration. Additionally, information gained from this study has significant potential to contribution to early detection of CrCL degeneration and, potentially, prevention of CrCL rupture.
Publication(s)
Vasanjee, S. C., Paulsen, D., Hosgood, G., Robinson, S. O., & Lopez, M. J. (2008). Characterization of normal canine anterior cruciate ligament–associated synoviocytes. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 26(6), 809–815. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.20552
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