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Proteoglycan synthesis in canine intervertebral discs after long‐distance running training
Author(s) -
Puustjärvi K.,
Lammi M.,
Kiviranta I.,
Helminen H. J.,
Tammi M.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100110516
Subject(s) - safranin , lumbar , proteoglycan , anatomy , staining , treadmill , intervertebral disc , medicine , chemistry , pathology , cartilage
The alterations and distribution of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis in the intervertebral discs of young dogs exercised with long‐distance running (40 km/day) were studied with a method based on image analysis of tissue sections. Ten dogs were run on a treadmill daily for 55 weeks, and 10 dogs from the same litters served as controls. The daily running distance gradually was increased to 40 km and was maintained at that level for the final 15 weeks. Midsagittal disc segments C7‐T1, T8‐9, and L1‐2 were labeled with 35 SO 4 , and histological sections of the segments were apposed against autoradiographic film to determine the synthesis of PGs. Next, the same sections were stained with safranin O to estimate possible alterations in PG concentration. The radiographs and stained sections were digitized with a flatbed scanner and measured by image analysis. The lumbar discs of the runners displayed a significantly lower rate of 35 SO 4 incorporation, while a tendency toward enhanced incorporation was seen in the cervical and thoracic discs. Safranin O staining showed a pattern just opposite to 35 SO 4 incorporation: decreased staining in the cervical and thoracic discs and increased staining in the lumbar disc of the runners. The results demonstrate qualitatively different influences of long‐term running training on PG metabolism at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels in young dogs.