Biomaterial Database

Pericellular matrix of growth plate chondrocytes: a study using postfixation with osmium-ferrocyanide. 1983

C E Farnum, and N J Wilsman

The pericellular matrix surrounding chondrocytes from all zones of epiphyseal growth plate cartilage, as well as from articular, tracheal, and auricular cartilage, was examined using a number of variations of osmium ferrocyanide postfixation of aldehyde-fixed tissues. Comparisons were made with other fixative techniques, including ruthenium red, safranin O, and lanthanum nitrate, all of which have previously been reported to stabilize a variety of lacunar matrix components. An electron-dense material was preserved uniquely by osmium-ferrocyanide in the lacunar matrix of mid and late zone hypertrophying chondrocytes and was absent from all other zones of the growth plate as well as from the other types of cartilage examined. Because of its highly restricted distribution, this electron-dense material is hypothesized to represent a pericellular matrix component involved with either matrix calcification or metaphyseal capillary penetration. Several hypotheses are presented as to its specific composition.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008854	Microscopy, Electron	Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen.	Electron Microscopy
D009992	Osmium	A very hard, gray, toxic, and nearly infusible metal element, atomic number 76, atomic weight 190.2, symbol Os.
D002356	Cartilage	A non-vascular form of connective tissue composed of CHONDROCYTES embedded in a matrix that includes CHONDROITIN SULFATE and various types of FIBRILLAR COLLAGEN. There are three major types: HYALINE CARTILAGE; FIBROCARTILAGE; and ELASTIC CARTILAGE.	Cartilages
D005295	Ferrocyanides	Inorganic salts of the hypothetical acid ferrocyanic acid (H4Fe(CN)6).
D005404	Fixatives	Agents employed in the preparation of histologic or pathologic specimens for the purpose of maintaining the existing form and structure of all of the constituent elements. Great numbers of different agents are used; some are also decalcifying and hardening agents. They must quickly kill and coagulate living tissue.	Fixative,Pickling Agents,Agents, Pickling
D000818	Animals	Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA.	Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D013552	Swine	Any of various animals that constitute the family Suidae and comprise stout-bodied, short-legged omnivorous mammals with thick skin, usually covered with coarse bristles, a rather long mobile snout, and small tail. Included are the genera Babyrousa, Phacochoerus (wart hogs), and Sus, the latter containing the domestic pig (see SUS SCROFA).	Phacochoerus,Pigs,Suidae,Warthogs,Wart Hogs,Hog, Wart,Hogs, Wart,Wart Hog
D013556	Swine, Miniature	Genetically developed small pigs for use in biomedical research. There are several strains - Yucatan miniature, Sinclair miniature, and Minnesota miniature.	Miniature Swine,Minipigs,Miniature Swines,Minipig,Swines, Miniature