Immunohistochemical
Localization of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Substance P
in the Rat Knee Cartilage at Birth
F. OLIVA1, U. TARANTINO1,
N. MAFFULLI2
1Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology,
University of Rome, "Tor Vergata" School of Medicine, Rome,
Italy and 2Department of Trauma and Orthopedic
Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, North
Staffordshire Hospital, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshill, Stoke on
Trent, Staffordshire, UK
Received July 26, 2004
Accepted November 2, 2004
Summary
Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have
been found in the perichondrium and within the cartilage canals.
It is still unknown whether they exert a direct effect on
chondrocytes during joint development. We processed 28 knees of
newborn Wistar rats in 7 different fashions to perform histology
and immunohistochemistry studies. Positive immunoreactivity
against CGRP and SP was found in the inner aspect of the
perichondrium in a close contact with chondrocytes. The presence
of CGRP and SP indicates the presence of nerves fibers, and
precedes the development of cartilage canals. Nerve fibers may
play a role in the development of synovial joints before and
during the presence of cartilage canals. The presence of CGRP
and SP in the cartilage at birth may be involved in the early
postnatal maturation of synovial joints. It remains to be
determined whether autonomic innervation is later involved in
age-related degenerative joint disease.
Key words
Cartilage development • Peripheral nervous system
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