| This project was aimed at understanding load-induced soft connective tissue remodeling, in the rabbit flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon. The specific aims were to: (a) determine the properties of the fibrocartilage (FC)-rich contact zone (CZ) in normal tendon, (b) quantify load-induced remodeling in the CZ upon removal of in vivo compression, and (c) quantify FDP in vivo forces which presumably maintain tendon homeostasis.;Left-right pairs of FDP tendons were procured and assigned for biomechanics, morphometry, biochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. The relative thickness, T;Four weeks post-surgery to remove in vivo compression from the CZ, all measures showed significant changes (p ;We also measured FDP tendon forces for different activities. Quiet standing activity, which the caged rabbit spends most of its time in, produced a low, steady force (6N-20N). Level and inclined hopping, activities, which the rabbit engages in only sporadically, produced peak forces of up to 97N and 166N, respectively. This suggests that the FDP contact zone is maintained by low and steady forces, superimposed with sporadic bouts of higher forces. |
