Abstract
The morphological characteristics of tendons have been thoroughly evaluated via microscopy. Optical microscopy and electron microscopy are the most commonly used techniques for tendon tissue observation. According to the principles of both microscopy types, preparation and evaluation methods vary. Simple optical microscopy is commonly used in the observation of cells and extracellular matrix, and many stains, including hematoxylin–eosin, Van Gieson, Prussian blue, Alcian blue, and toluidine blue, are used for evaluating cells, collagen fiber arrangement, and noncollagenous proteins. Histological scoring systems have been used in many studies for semi‐quantification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are the most commonly used electron microscopy types, and special consideration is needed for the fixation and embedding protocols. Glutaraldehyde followed by osmium is most commonly used in the chemical fixation of tendon tissue, followed by epoxy resin embedment. Longitudinal sections captured in SEM images show the arrangement of collagen fibrils and the cells and lipid drops among them, while cross sections captured in TEM images show the diameter and distribution of collagen fibrils. SEM and TEM are used together for comprehensive evaluations. This mini review is focused on the preparation methodology and related evaluation indexes for the morphological evaluation of tendons.
Highlights
The morphology and structure of tendon tissue have been thoroughly evaluated through the application of microscopy techniques
Mazzocca et al.[21] performed a morphological study investigating tendon pathology in which the positive Alcian blue staining was semi-quantified with a computed topography system, and the results showed a significant increase in Alcian blue staining, indicating increased tendon degeneration
To examine the change in tendon collagen with the administration of glucocorticoids, Taguchi et al.[27] prepared rat Achilles tendon sample slices stained with tannic acid, uranyl acetate, and lead citrate, and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed a significant decrease in mean collagen fiber diameter
Summary
Optical Microscopy and Electron Microscopy for the Morphological Evaluation of Tendons: A Mini Review. The morphological characteristics of tendons have been thoroughly evaluated via microscopy. Optical microscopy and electron microscopy are the most commonly used techniques for tendon tissue observation. Simple optical microscopy is commonly used in the observation of cells and extracellular matrix, and many stains, including hematoxylin–eosin, Van Gieson, Prussian blue, Alcian blue, and toluidine blue, are used for evaluating cells, collagen fiber arrangement, and noncollagenous proteins. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are the most commonly used electron microscopy types, and special consideration is needed for the fixation and embedding protocols. SEM and TEM are used together for comprehensive evaluations This mini review is focused on the preparation methodology and related evaluation indexes for the morphological evaluation of tendons
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
