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Development of biochemical heterogeneity of articular cartilage: influences of age and exercise
Author(s) -
BRAMA P.A. J.,
TeKOPPELE J. M.,
BANK R. A.,
BARNEVELD A.,
WEEREN P. R.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516402776186146
Subject(s) - articular cartilage , cartilage , horse , medicine , physiology , biology , pathology , osteoarthritis , anatomy , paleontology , alternative medicine
Summary The objective of this study was to document the development of biochemical heterogeneity from birth to maturity in equine articular cartilage, and to test the hypothesis that the amount of exercise during early life may influence this process. Neonatal foals showed no biochemical heterogeneity whatsoever, in contrast to a clearbiochemical heterogeneity in mature horses. The process of formation of site differences was almost completed in exercised foals age 5 months, but was delayed in those deprived of exercise. For some collagen‐related parameters, this delay was not compensated for after an additional 6 month period of moderate exercise. It is concluded that the functional adaptation of articular cartilage, as reflected in the formation of biochemical heterogeneity in the horse, occurs forthe most part during the first 5 months postpartum . A certain level of exercise seems essential forthis process and withholding exercise in early life, may result in a delay in the adaptation of the cartilage.