An in situ study of the influence of a sclerosing solution in rabbit medial collateral ligaments and its junction strength

Connect Tissue Res. 1983;11(2-3):95-102. doi: 10.3109/03008208309004846.

Abstract

A double-blind study was conducted to assess the influence of a sclerosing solution on rabbit medial collateral ligaments (MCL) in situ. It was shown that repeated injections of 5% sodium morrhuate into the MCL and its bony attachments significantly increased its bone-ligament-bone junction strength, ligament mass and thickness when compared to saline-injected controls. Morphometric analysis of electron micrographs showed a highly significant corresponding increase of the collagen fibril diameters in the experimental ligament compared against the control MCL. These composite findings suggested that the sclerosing solution had a significant influence on dense connective tissue at the insertion sites. The mechanisms for these changes are uncertain and are the basis for future investigations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Collagen / physiology
  • Fatty Acids / pharmacology*
  • Ligaments, Articular / drug effects*
  • Ligaments, Articular / metabolism
  • Ligaments, Articular / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Rabbits
  • Sodium Morrhuate / pharmacology*
  • Stress, Mechanical

Substances

  • Fatty Acids
  • Sodium Morrhuate
  • Collagen