CARTILAGE SURFACE PROGENITORS

The Biology and Therapeutic Application of Cartilage Surface Progenitors

The Biology and Therapeutic Application of Cartilage Surface Progenitors

Introduction

In this paper, we will discuss about the issues raised by Dowthwaite and Karlsson in two studies, who discussed in detail about Articular Cartillage and identification of stem cells. Dowthwaite discussed that Articular Cartillage growth is achieved by the apposition from the articular surface. For the purpose the stem cells must reside on the Articular Cartillage surface to grow. Karlsson also found out that superficial lesion of the Articular Cartilage, does not go through self repairing process and it is due to lack of progenitor cells.

The cartilage tissue is a connective tissue specialist support. It is constituted by cells called chondrocytes , immersed in an abundant amorphous intercellular substance, that they themselves synthesized, formed by fibers collagen and an amorphous matrix of gelatin. The main characteristics of this material are its strength, flexibility and the ability to deform a limited extent. The cartilage form the outline for most of the bones of the human skeleton, as well as in the metaphysis during the body growth (cartilage of conjugation), which subsequently will be mineralized and replaced by bone tissue. In the adult cartilage remains at the surfaces of joints, intervertebral disks, in the skeleton of the roof of the outer ear, participates in the formation of the trachea and bronchi, the symphysis pubis and the menisci. Is also formed as a result of fractures at any stage of life. In all areas in which it is located, except for the articular surfaces, the cartilage is covered by a casing consisting of dense connective tissue fibrous said perichondrium (Camilla 2009, pp. 355).

The cartilage is not vascularized and is not innervated, the diffusion takes place instead through the matrix. The cartilage are classified based on the amount and the formation of the amorphous substance and based on the fibers present in it. The cartilage tissue or just cartilage, is a type of connective tissue highly specialized cells formed condrógenas ( chondrocytes and chondroblasts ), elastic collagen fibers and extracellular matrix. Cartilage tissue is part of the pancreas embryo. Is called cartilage pieces formed by cartilage tissue. It is a fabric that has no blood vessels , nerves and lymphatics. Cartilage surfaces serve to accommodate the femoral condyles in the glenoid cavity of the tibia, to absorb shocks during walking and jumping, to prevent wear by friction and, therefore, to allow movements of the joint. Is a support structure and gives some mobility to the joints. Cartilage also covers the ends of bones in joints. Cartilage cells called chondrocytes specific (or chondroblasts). They have a well developed rough ER and Golgi apparatus large, and many vesicles, which are signs of secretory activity. Intermediate filaments are composed of vimentin that appear in abundance. Often cells contain glycogen and not infrequently also lipid inclusions in large part.

Despite taking history can differentiate between traumatic and degenerative diseases, the exact cause of cartilage defects is often difficult to ...