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Macrophages accumulate in the early phase of tendon–bone healing
Author(s) -
Kawamura Sumito,
Ying Lilly,
Kim HyonJeong,
Dynybil Christian,
Rodeo Scott A.
Publication year - 2005
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 - 10.1016/j.orthres.2005.01.014.1100230627
Subject(s) - tendon , progenitor cell , medicine , wound healing , anterior cruciate ligament , anatomy , pathology , stem cell , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , immunology
A scar tissue interface forms rather than a normal ligament insertion site following attachment of a tendon graft to bone. The specific cell types that initiate the process of tendon‐to‐bone healing are unknown. We hypothesized that inflammatory cell accumulation following tendon‐to‐bone repair results in this scar interface. We used a rodent model to examine the temporal and spatial pattern of accumulation of hematopoietic lineage cells in the early phase of tendon‐to‐bone healing. Thirty‐six Lewis rats underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the left knee using a flexor digitorum longus tendon graft. Six animals were sacrificed at 4, 7, 11, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery. Serial sections were analyzed for proliferating cells (PCNA), recruited macrophages (ED1), resident macrophages (ED2), neutrophils, T‐lymphocytes (CD3), mast cells, immature progenitor cells/pericytes (expressing the NG2 cell‐surface chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan), and newly‐formed blood vessels (Factor VIII). Neutrophils, ED1 + and ED2 + macrophages accumulated sequentially in the healing tendon graft, with progressive cell ingrowth from the interface towards the inner tendon. Neutrophils and ED1 + cells were seen in the tendon‐bone interface at 4 days after surgery, while ED2 + macrophages were not identified until 11 days. These cells progressively repopulated the tendon graft. NG2‐positive progenitor cells were found along the edge of the bone tunnel in the interface, but these cells did not invade the tendon. Occasional T‐lymphocytes and mast cells were seen in the tendon‐bone interface. There was no proliferation of intrinsic tendon cells, indicating that the tendon does not directly contribute to healing. We hypothesize that cytokines produced by infiltrating macrophages are likely to contribute to the formation of a fibrous scar tissue interface rather than a normal insertion site. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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