Collagen Types in Healing Rabbit Tendons: A Biochemical Assessment |
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| Authors: | LARRY E STEIN PhD GERALD J PIJANOWSKI DVM PhD ANN L JOHNSON DVM DiplomateACVS |
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| Institution: | Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.;Department of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. |
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| Abstract: | Eight repaired and eight contralateral control superficial digital flexor tendons were collected from rabbits (2–6 kg) 1, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Acid soluble and pepsin solubilized collagen fractions were prepared and separated using SDS-PAGE to determine if healing tendons contain detectable amounts of Type III collagen. No biochemical differences between normal and healing tendon collagen content could be detected. Type I collagen was the predominant collagen species found in all 88 samples examined. Alpha chains indicative of Type III collagen were detected in control and experimental tendons of five animals. Alpha chains suggestive of Type IV collagen were detected in control and experimental tendons of eight rabbits. |
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