Ultrastructure of the mineralizing metacarpophalangeal joint of progressive ankylosis (ank/ank) mice |
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| Authors: | H W Sampson |
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| Institution: | Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843. |
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| Abstract: | The metacarpophalangeal joint of the progressive ankylosis mouse was examined at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age by using electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. These studies describe the progression of the disorder, and they reveal three overlapping phases: pannus proliferation, chondrophyte formation and mineralization, and articular cartilage mineralization. The chondrophyte mineralized in a manner fairly similar to endochondrial bone, whereas articular cartilage mineralized by advancement of a calcification front across the cartilage. Synovial crystal phagocytosis was also observed. The progressive ankylosis mouse should be an important model for studying both crystal deposition and abnormal articular cartilage calcification. |
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