Biomaterial Database

The histological effects of copper and zinc on chick embryo skeletal tissues in organ culture. 1976

J R Rest

1. The effects of copper and zinc on organ cultures of chick embryo cartilage and bone maintained in low-trace-metal, chemically defined media for up to 8 d were studied macroscopically, histologically and histochemically. Length and wet-weight measurement of explants were assessed statistically. 2. No effects were found with Cu concentrations of 0-5-1-5 mug/ml medium. Between concentrations of 5 and 40 mug Cu/ml medium, lengths and wet-weights of cartilage cultures decreased significantly (P less than 0-001) compared with controls. The decrease was directly proportional to increasing Cu concentration, and that of the length was greater with increasing period of culture (P less than 0-001). 3. With 5--20 mug Cu/ml medium cartilage and bone became yellow in colour, and chondrocytes were swollen, rounded and basophilic. They were detached from their lacunae and the quantity of matrix was reduced. Loss of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity and disappearance of glycogen accompanied the degeneration. Osteogenesis ceased, cells failed to divide and mature, lost their enzymes and died. Cu did not accumulate in the bone matrix. 4. The direct toxic effects of Cu for cartilage and bone may underlie some of the skeletal changes in hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease). 5. As Zn concentrations were increased from 2-5 to 7-5 mug/ml medium, lengths and wet-weights of cartilaginous cultures were significantly increased (P less than 0-001). As Zn concentrations were further increased (from 10 to 40 mug/ml medium), lengths and wet-weights were significantly decreased (P less than 0-001). 6. Zn stimulated chondrocyte division and vacuolation of cytoplasm. With higher Zn concentrations toxic changes of granular basophilia, lacunar detachment and necrosis were seen. Differentiation and functioning of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and chondroclasts were stimulated by Zn. 7. Zn was found in bone matrix, osteoblasts, osteocytes and hypertrophied chondrocytes.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D001842	Bone and Bones	A specialized CONNECTIVE TISSUE that is the main constituent of the SKELETON. The principal cellular component of bone is comprised of OSTEOBLASTS; OSTEOCYTES; and OSTEOCLASTS, while FIBRILLAR COLLAGENS and hydroxyapatite crystals form the BONE MATRIX.	Bone Tissue,Bone and Bone,Bone,Bones,Bones and Bone,Bones and Bone Tissue,Bony Apophyses,Bony Apophysis,Condyle,Apophyses, Bony,Apophysis, Bony,Bone Tissues,Condyles,Tissue, Bone,Tissues, Bone
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
D002642	Chick Embryo	The developmental entity of a fertilized chicken egg (ZYGOTE). The developmental process begins about 24 h before the egg is laid at the BLASTODISC, a small whitish spot on the surface of the EGG YOLK. After 21 days of incubation, the embryo is fully developed before hatching.	Embryo, Chick,Chick Embryos,Embryos, Chick
D003300	Copper	A heavy metal trace element with the atomic symbol Cu, atomic number 29, and atomic weight 63.55.	Copper-63,Copper 63
D004305	Dose-Response Relationship, Drug	The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug.	Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D005269	Femur	The longest and largest bone of the skeleton, it is situated between the hip and the knee.	Trochanter,Greater Trochanter,Lesser Trochanter,Femurs,Greater Trochanters,Lesser Trochanters,Trochanter, Greater,Trochanter, Lesser,Trochanters,Trochanters, Greater,Trochanters, Lesser
D006651	Histocytochemistry	Study of intracellular distribution of chemicals, reaction sites, enzymes, etc., by means of staining reactions, radioactive isotope uptake, selective metal distribution in electron microscopy, or other methods.	Cytochemistry
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
D013977	Tibia	The second longest bone of the skeleton. It is located on the medial side of the lower leg, articulating with the FIBULA laterally, the TALUS distally, and the FEMUR proximally.	Tibias
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.