Effects Of Maturation And Aging On The Pressure-bearing Region Of The Plantaris Longus Tendon Of The Bullfrog (lithobates Catesbeianus)

The plantaris longus tendon (PLT) in bullfrog develops a fibrocartilage-like tissue in the area that is functionally subject to compressive forces. The aim of this study was to analyze the modifications of the pressure-bearing region in bullfrog PLT with different ages (7, 180, and 1,080 days after the end of metamorphosis) using histomorphometric, ultrastructural and biochemical methods. Weak basophilia and cells with a fibroblastic phenotype were observed in the compression region at 7 days of age. On the other hand, a large area of intense tissue basophilia associated with a chondroblast-like cell population was noted at the other ages. Collagen fibers exhibited a three-dimensional network-like arrangement at all ages. The number of connective tissue cells increased between 7 and 180 days of age and was reduced in older animals. The 180-day-old animals presented a well-developed pericellular matrix rich in proteoglycans. 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