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Use of microscopical techniques in the study of human chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage: An overview
Author(s) -
Kouri Juan B.,
Argüello Carlos,
Luna José,
Mena Raul
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19980101)40:1<22::aid-jemt4>3.0.co;2-z
Subject(s) - cartilage , chondrocyte , ultrastructure , microbiology and biotechnology , cilium , confocal microscopy , biology , cell type , cell , electron microscope , population , cytoskeleton , pathology , anatomy , medicine , genetics , optics , physics , environmental health
Several microscopical techniques, such as high resolution light microscopy, Normaski microscopy, laser confocal and transmission electron microscopy, were used in a correlative morphological study of human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage. Emphasis was made on the characterization of chondrocytes heterogeneity observed in this tissue. Novel findings were assessed in the morphological and immunocytological study of the chondrocytes organized in aggregates or “clones” typical of this degenerative disease, consisting of the modification of certain elements of the cytoskeleton that influence changes in the cell shape. Also, the presence of cilia and centrioles found in certain cells raised the question if chondrocytes are able to move and regroup as an alternative mechanism to mitosis in the formation of cell clusters or “clones.” The presence of two types of secretory chondrocytes was observed and discussed. The use of a correlative approach of several microscopical techniques in a systematic morphological and immunocytological characterization of chondrocyte population within the fibrillated and nonfibrillated human osteoarthritic cartilage gave complementary information that could be important for a better understanding of the histopathogenesis of OA. Microsc. Res. Tech. 40:22–36, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.