Abstract
Different matrix macromolecules modulate the tendon healing process. Elastin contains sequences which exhibit chemotactic activity both in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the effects of synthetic elastin-derived peptide Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly suspended in a gel solution on the healing process of Achilles' tendon in a rat model. A total tenotomy at the middle 3rd was performed in 32 rats. During the suture repair the gel with (Group A) or without (Group B) the elastin-derived peptide was applied to the tendon stumps. Four animals for each period and group were killed at 10, 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery. The scar tissue was processed for histochemical, immuno-histochemical and morphometric analysis. An improved healing process with increase in cellularity and vascularity, especially at the early stage of the Achilles' tendon healing process was observed in Group A compared to Group B. The fiber alignment was also positively influenced by the factor. Immunolabeling with HAM 56 and lisozyme revealed a stronger reaction for the presence of monocyte/macrophage in Group A vs Group B especially in early stages. Chondral metaplasia and endochondral ossification occurred in the healed tissue of both group at 60 and 90 days.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
I. F. Williams, K. G. Mccullagh and I. A. Silver, Conn. Tissue Res. 12 (1984) 221.
C. A. Matthew, M. J. Moore and L. Campbell, J. Hand Surg. [B] 12 (1987) 313.
N. A. Siddiqi, Y. Hamada and A. Norya, Int. Orthop. 16 (1992) 363.
T. Barfred, Acta Orthop. Scand. 42 (1971) 406.
B. W. Oakes and B. Bialkower, J. Anat. 123 (1977) 369.
C. A. Carlstedt, Acta Orthop. Scand. 58 (1987) 1.
T. M. Best, A. Collins, E. G. Lilly, A. V. Seaber, R. Goldner and G. A. C. Murrell, J. Orthop. Res. 11 (1993) 897.
G. A. C. Murrell, E. G. Lilly, A. Collins, R. D. Goldner, A. V. Seaber and T. M. Best, ibid. 12 (1994) 582.
S. H. Liu, R. S. Yang, R. Al-Shaikh and J. M. Lane, Clin. Orthop. Rel. Res. 318 (1995) 265.
S. O. Abrahamsson, G. Lundborg and L. S. Lohmander, J. Orthop. Res. 9 (1991) 495.
K. A. Hildebrand, S. L. Y. Woo, D. W. Smith, C. R. Allen, M. Deie, B. J. Taylor and C. C. Schmidt, Am. J. Sports Med. 26 (1998) 549.
C. C. Schmidt, H. I. Georgescu, C. K. Kwoh, G. L. Blomstrom, C. P. Engle, L. A. Larkin, C. H. Evans and S. L. Y. Woo, J. Orthop. Res. 13 (1995) 184.
S. O. Abrahamsson, ibid. 15 (1997) 256.
P. Aspenberg and C. Forslund, Acta Orthop. Scand. 70 (1999) 51.
A. Gigante, N. Specchia, C. Chillemi and F. GrecoAdvances in Biomedical Studies. Biology and Physiopathology of the Extracellular Matrix (La Goliardica Pavese, Pavia, 1996).
R. M. Senior, G. L. Griffin and R. P. Mecham, J. Clin. Invest. 66 (1980) 859.
R. M. Senior, G. L. Griffin, R. P. Mecham, D. S. Wrenn, K. U. Prasad and D. W. Urry, J. Cell Biol. 99 (1984) 870.
D. S. Wrenn, G. L. Griffin, R. M. Senior and R. P. Mecham, Biochem. 25 (1986) 517.
F. Bisaccia, M. A. Castiglione Morelli, M. De Biasi, S. Traniello, S. Spisani and A. M. Tamburro, Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 35 (1994) 81.
M. A. Castiglione Morelli, F. Bisaccia, S. Spisani, M. De Biasi, S. Traniello and A. M. Tamburro, J. Peptide Res. 49 (1997) 492.
A. Gigante, N. Specchia, S. Rapali, A. Ventura and L. De Palma, J. Biol. Res. 72 (1996) 203.
A. Gigante, C. Chillemi, K. A. Potter, C. Bertoni-Freddari and F. Greco, J. Orthop. Res. 17 (1999) 624.
T. Marui, C. Niyibizi and H. I. Georgescu, ibid. 15 (1997) 18.
S. J. Leibovich and R. Ross, Am. J. Pathol. 78 (1975) 71.
R. A. F. Clark, N. E. Wikner, D. E. Doherty and D. A. Norris, J. Biol. Chem. 263 (1988) 12115.
A. E. Postlethwaite and A. H. Kang, J. Exp. Med. 143 (1976) 1299.
A. K. Letson and L. E. Dahners, Clin. Orthop. Rel. Res. 308 (1984) 207.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Gigante, A., Chillemi, C., Bevilacqua, C. et al. Effects of elastin-derived peptide on Achilles' tendon healing: An experimental study. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine 14, 717–720 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024967801131
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024967801131