Meniscus Matrix Structural and Biomechanical Evaluation: Age-Dependent Properties in a Swine Model

Figures

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  Figure 1. (A) Macroscopic aspect and comparison of menisci belonging to the three classes of age. (B–D) Differences in biochemical analyses of menisci belonging to the three classes of age: (B) DNA quantification; (C) GAGs quantification; (D) GAGs/DNA ratio. Quantification of DNA normalized to the wet weight (µg/mg). Values with ** differ for p < 0.01.

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  Figure 2. (A) Meniscal partition scheme: menisci were subdivided transversally (in an anterior horn, a body, and a posterior horn) and longitudinally, in an inner and an outer part; Western blot results for collagen type I (B) with GAPDH and subsequent calnexin as housekeeping; Western blot results for aggrecan (C) with GAPDH and subsequent calnexin as housekeeping. ND: not developed; PD partially developed; FD: fully developed. Values with ** and * differ for p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively.

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  Figure 3. Collagen I immunostaining in the inner and outer regions of the anterior horn, body, and posterior horn of ND, PD, and FD. Arrows: nuclei, arrowheads: fibers. All the images have the same scale bar (located in the first image: 50 μm).

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  Figure 4. Aggrecan immunostaining in the inner and outer regions of the anterior horn, body, and posterior horn of ND, PD, and FD. Arrows: nuclei, arrowheads: fibers. All the images have the same scale bar (located in the first image: 50 µm).

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  Figure 5. Biomechanical results from compression (A) and traction (D) tests. Compression test results for pooled (B) and subdivided samples (C). Circumferential traction test results for pooled (E) and subdivided (F) samples. AH: anterior horn; B: body; PH: posterior horn. Values with ** and * differ for p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively.