Characterization and functional implications of the proteoglycans in tendon fascicles in a structure-function model

摘要

Soft connective tissues such as tendons are hierarchical composite materials composed of collagen fibrils in a hydrated proteoglycan matrix. The structure of these tissues is believed to contribute directly to their in vivo mechanical behavior. So called structure-function relationships require careful characterization of both tissue structure (organization and composition) and tissue function (mechanical properties). Recently, we described a novel approach to investigate structure-functionrelationships using the tail tendon fascicle in the Mov 13 transgenic mouse. We determined that the structural organization and associated mechanical properties of the collagen fibrils in the fascicles were significantly different between Mov13 andcontrol [l,2]. The current study evaluates aspects of the composition of the tendon fascicle of Mov13 and control animals in order to add this component to the structure-function analysis. In particular, proteoglycan (PG) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)content of tendon fascicles of Movl3 and control mice are characterized. The role that these biochemical parameters may play on tissue mechanical properties is discussed.