Summary
The demonstration of histochemical characteristics in calcifying cartilage is fraught with methodological difficulties including the distinction of mineralized from unmineralized cartilage and the demonstration of cell detail in relatively hard tissue. This study uses the decalcified bone matrix-induced enchondral (endochondral) ossification system to demonstrate a technique of methylmethacrylate embedding, thin sections, and a combination of histochemical stains that distinguishes mineralized from unmineralized cartilage while preserving excellent cell detail. These techniques are applicable to other areas of enchondral ossification and are exemplified by the staining of growth plates.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Reddi AH, Huggins CB (1972) Biochemical sequences in the transformation of normal fibroblasts in adolescent rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 69:1601–1605
Ciombor D McK, Bruder SP, Aaron RK (1985) Dose-related suppression of chondroid matrix formation retinoic acid analogues in experimental heterotopic ossification. Trans ORS 10:110
Aaron RK, Ciombor D McK, Barrach H-J (1986) Acceleration of experimental enchondral ossification by pulsed electromagnetic fields. Trans ORS 11:250
Rosenberg L (1971) Chemical basis for the histological use of safranin-O in the study of articular cartilage. JBJS 53A: 69–82
Farndale RW, Buttle DJ, Barrett AJ (1986) Improved quantitation and discrimination of sulfated glycosaminoglycans by use of dimethylmethylene blue. Biochem Biophys Acta 883:173–177
Tian M-U, Yanagishita M, Hascall VC, Reddi AH (1986) Biosynthesis and fate of proteoglycans in cartilage and bone during development and mineralization. Arch Biochem Biophys 247:221–223
Smith BD, Martin GR, Miller EJ, Dorfman A, Swarm R (1975) Nature of collagens synthesized by a transplanted chondrosarcoma. Arch Biochem Biophys 166:181–186
Hascall VC, Heinegard D (1975) The structure of cartilage proteoglycans. In: Slavink HC, Greulich RC (eds) Extracellular matrix influences on gene expression. Academic Press, New York, pp 423–433
Gosslau B, Barrach HJ (1979) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent microassay for quantitation of specific antibodies to collagen type I, II, III. J Immunol Methods 29:71–77
Reddi AH, Hascall VC, Hascall GK (1978) Changes in proteoglycan types during matrix-induced cartilage and bone development. J Biol Chem 253:2429–2436
Diffords J (1974) A simplified method for the preparation of methylmethacrylate imbedding medium for undecalcified bone. Med Lab Tech 31:39
Spijker HJ (1978) A procedure for obtaining thin sections of undecalcified bone biopsies embedded in methylmethacrylate. Microsc Acta 81:17–26
Matrajt H, Hioco D (1966) Solochrom cyanine R as an indicator dye of bone morphology. Stain Technology 41:97–100
Villanueva AR (1974) A bone stain for osteoid seams in fresh unembedded mineralized bone. Stain Technology 49:1–8
Olah AJ, Simon A, Gaudy M, Herrmann W, Schenk RK (1977) Differential staining of calcified tissues in plastic-embedded microtome sections by a modification of Movat's pentachrome stain. Stain Technology 52:331–337
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Aaron, R.K., Jolly, G., Ciombor, D.M. et al. A histochemical method for the demonstration of calcifying cartilage. Calcif Tissue Int 43, 244–249 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02555141
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02555141