Effects of joint immobilization and hindlimb unloading on collagen fibers of soleus muscles in rats

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 29; no. 7; pp. 1192 - 1195
• Main Authors: Ishikura, Hideki, Aihara, Kazuki, Ono, Takeya, Sato, Yuta, Umei, Namiko, Oki, Sadaaki, Tsumiyama, Wakako, Matsumoto, Tomohiro, Tasaka, Atsushi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2017
• Subjects: Collagen; Hindlimb unloading; Joint immobilization; Original; Hindlimb unloading; Collagen; Joint immobilization
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.29.1192

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether collagen fibers cause a difference in a contracture resulting from a combination of joint fixation and hindlimb unloading as compared to joint fixation only. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects of this study were 21 female Wistar rats divided into 4 groups as follows: Control Group (CON, n=7); Joint Fixation Group (JF, n=7), Hindlimb Unloading Group (HU, n=7), Joint Fixation Plus Hindlimb Unloading Group (JF+HU, n=7). This study was conducted for 1-week. Ankle joint range of motion and positive areas of collagen using fluorescent stain were analyzed. [Results] Ankle joint range of motion in JF + HU showed an increase compared to that of JF. Positive areas of Type I collagen in JF+HU showed an increase as compared with that of JF. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggested that the difference in a contracture caused by only joint immobilization and by a combination of joint immobilization and hindlimb unloading were significantly associated with Type I collagen.