Changes In Number of Chondrons in Tangential Zone of Ageing Male Human Articular Cartilage

Abstract

Objective: To study the changes in number of chondrons in tangential zone of male human
articular cartilage in advancing age.
Methods: Forty samples of articular cartilage were collected from right knees of male dead
bodies ageing between 21 60 years and placed into four groups. After tissue processing and
cutting, staining with H&E was done. The number of chondrons containing chondrocytes was
noted in each group.
Results: With advancing age the number of chondrocytes within chondrons in Tangential
/superficial zone of articular cartilage were reduced.
Conclusions: In ageing, articular cartilage the number of chondrons in Tangential zone of
articular cartilage is reduced leading to osteoarthritis. Presence of stem cells in this zone makes it
an attractive target for preventive and therapeutic measures.