Cross-linked type I and type II collagenous matrices for the repair of full-thickness articular cartilage defects--a study in rabbits.

Contains fulltext : 122991.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)The physico-chemical properties of collagenous matrices may determine the tissue response after insertion into full-thickness articular cartilage defects. In this study, cross-linked type I and type II collagen matrices, with and without attached chondroitin sulfate, were implanted into full-thickness defects in the femoral trochlea of adolescent rabbits. The tissue response was evaluated 4 and 12 weeks after implantation by general histology and two semi-quantitative histological grading systems. Four weeks after implantation, type I collagenous matrices were completely filled with cartilage-like tissue. By contrast, type II collagenous matrices revealed predominantly cartilaginous tissue only at the superficial zone and at the interface of the matrix with the subchondral bone, leaving large areas of the matrix devoid of tissue. Attachment of chondroitin sulfate appeared to promote cellular ingrowth and cartilaginous tissue formation in both types of collagen matrices. Twelve weeks after implantation, the differences between the matrices were less pronounced. The deep parts of the subchondral defects were largely replaced by new bone with a concomitant degradation of the matrices. The original cartilage contours in defects with type I collagen-based matrices were repaired with fibro-cartilaginous tissue. Defects containing type II matrices showed an increase in the amount of superficial cartilage-like tissue. The original contour, however, was not completely restored in all animals, occasionally leaving a central depression or fissure. It is concluded that different types of collagen matrices induce different tissue responses in full-thickness articular cartilage defects. Type I collagen-based matrices are superior to guide progenitor cells from a subchondral origin into the defect. In type II collagen-based matrices cell migration is less, but invading cells are directed into a chondrocyte phenotype. Based on these observations it is suggested that a composite matrix consisting of a deep layer of type I collagen and a more superficial layer of type II collagen may be the matrix of choice for cartilage regeneration

Testing predictions for symmetry, variability and chronology of backed artefact production in Australia\u27s Western Desert

The Backed Artefact Symmetry Index (BASI) provides a measure with which to describe geometric variation in Australian backed artefacts, and Peter Hiscock has suggested that desert versions of this artefact type will be more symmetrical than their coastal counterparts. The re-excavated Serpent\u27s Glen (Karnatukul) site and nearby site of Wirrili have produced a large assemblage of backed artefacts. These Western Desert assemblages allow for the testing of BASI. The backed artefacts demonstrate significantly more variability than predicted, demonstrating that all technological debates benefit from larger well-dated assemblages. The signalling information observed in these sites\u27 pigment art repertoires, combined with this versatility in the toolkits, increases our understanding of the complexity of middle and late Holocene highly mobile foragers in the Australian arid zone