Decrease in the numbers of mechanoreceptors in rabbit ACL: the effects of ageing

Aydog S., Korkusuz P., Doral M. N., Tetik O., Demirel H.

KNEE SURGERY SPORTS TRAUMATOLOGY ARTHROSCOPY, cilt.14, sa.4, ss.325-329, 2006 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 14 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2006
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s00167-005-0673-2
  • Dergi Adı: KNEE SURGERY SPORTS TRAUMATOLOGY ARTHROSCOPY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.325-329
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: ageing, proprioception, mechanoreceptor, light microscope, ACL, ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT, KNEE-JOINT, AGE, PROPRIOCEPTION, INNERVATION, SENSE
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

It is proposed that there is a positive correlation between the numbers of mechanoreceptors and proprioceptive function. On the other hand, normal aging process is associated with deficits in proprioception. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that aging resulted in decreased numbers of mechanoreceptors. Anterior cruciate ligaments of 14 male rabbits (2 months, n=5; 12 months, n=4 and 60 months, n=5) were extracted and the total numbers of Ruffini, Pacini and Golgi tendon-like receptors were accounted. As a result, the numbers of mechanoreceptors, especially Ruffini receptors, decreased with aging (p < 0.05). Increased age was associated with changes in the morphology of mechanoreceptors. In conclusion, aging results in both diminished numbers and changed morphology of mechanoreceptors.