Ultrastructural changes in articular chondrocytes of mice fed a lard‐enriched diet

摘要

AbstractWeanling male mice of strain C57B1. were fed a lard‐enriched diet for periods of 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, or 28 days. Beginning during the second week of consumption of this ration, articular chondrocytes of the femoral heads were increased in number and size and showed ultrastructural changes. The latter manifested themselves in nuclear enlargement, intensification of organellar development and in acceleration of regression. There was no evidence of abnormal deposition of lipid material within the chondrocytes beyond that due to organellar disintegration. It was concluded that the early effects of a lard‐enriched diet on articular cartilage consist of an overall stimulation of cell function followed by premature exhaustion. The primary site of action of the dietary fat remains unkn