Determination of markers for collagen type I turnover in peritendinous human tissue by microdialysis: effect of catheter types and insertion trauma

OBJECTIVES: Previous results from our group have shown that loading of human tendon elevates tendinous type I collagen production measured by microdialysis. However, exclusion of the observed elevation as a response to trauma from inserting the microdialysis catheters or a possible influence from the collagen production in skin was not determined. METHODS: Using the microdialysis method we measured the tissue levels of type I collagen metabolism markers [procollagen I COOH-terminal propeptide (PICP) and COOH-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP)] in peritendinous tissue of the Achilles tendon in volunteers at two time points, 0 and 72 h. Using two different catheter types, an investigation of the contribution from the skin in the collagen results obtained was also examined. RESULTS: The data showed no significant changes in the dialysate levels for PICP or ICTP (p>0.05) in either of the catheters. CONCLUSION: Inserting microdialysis fibres around the Achilles tendon twice does not increase the collagen type I metabolism determined 3 days after the initial trauma, and when using microdialysis for measuring peritendinous collagen turnover the skin contribution can be regarded as negligible. These findings support microdialysis as a valid method for the determination of collagen metabolism in peritendinous tissue.