Distribution and quantification of pyridinium cross-links of collagen within the different maturational zones of the chick growth plate

Biochim Biophys Acta. 1996 Aug 13;1290(3):250-6. doi: 10.1016/0304-4165(96)00026-8.

Abstract

In order to assess alterations in the collagen network during endochondral ossification the pyridinium cross-links of collagen were quantified in sequential transverse sections through the chick growth plate. This was accomplished using both morphological (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) histochemistry and collagen type X immunostaining) and analytical (HPLC) analyses. In articular cartilage, pyridinoline concentrations were maximal in the deep mature zones. In contrast, the proliferating chondrocyte zone of the growth plate had approximately a 10-fold greater pyridinoline cross-link concentration than the mature hypertrophic zone. Deoxypyridinoline was first found in the prehypertrophic zone of the growth plate cartilage that reacted positively for ALP activity but before collagen type X was detected. However, deoxypyridinoline concentrations were highest in the most differentiated regions of the growth plate where it was the principal pyridinium cross-link. In tibial dyschondroplasia, where chondrocyte differentiation is arrested in the prehypertrophic zone, higher concentrations of both cross-links were found with increasing distance down the lesion. We conclude that the decrease in pyridinoline cross-link concentration down the growth plate may be an essential adaptation (via increased collagenase activity and collagen turnover) of the matrix for vascular invasion and osteoclastic resorption to occur.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chickens
  • Collagen / isolation & purification*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Growth Plate / anatomy & histology
  • Growth Plate / chemistry*
  • Male
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / pathology
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / veterinary*
  • Pyridinium Compounds / isolation & purification*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Pyridinium Compounds
  • Collagen