The focus of this research proposal is to define the growth factor and matrix gene expression changes in early tendon injury. It will also evaluate pharmaceutical means of enhancing the healing response to achieve tendon repair tissue that more closely resembles the mechanical properties of normal tendon. The ultimate goal is healed tendons that are less likely to sustain reinjury.
Our specific aims i nclude documentation of the temporal and spatial expression of collagen types I and III, the growth factors insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and the IGF binding proteins during the healing response of flexor tendon following collagenase injury in the horse. The relationship between growth factor expression and subsequent changes in collagen expression are of central interest. This information will provide the scientific basis for decisions regarding selection, timing, and duration of administration of biologicals in this and future investigations. Previous in vitro studies document the beneficial effects of IGF-I on tendon healing and the in vitro study outlined in this proposal will provide preliminary data on beta-aminopriopionitrile (BAPN). The information from these in vitro studies will be combined with that from the temporal healing study to perform the two in vivo studies outlined, one using IGF-I alone and the other using a combination of IGF-I and BAPN. Tissues will be analyzed by histologic stains, in situ hybridization, immunostaining, autoradiography, and biochemical assays for DNA content and matrix composition. Statistical analyses will be performed as dictated by the specific study design, including paired t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc comparisons, individual regression analysis, and Pearsons's Correlation. Significance will be set at p less than or equal to 0.05.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32AR008587-03
Application #
6511796
Study Section
Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Study Section (ORTH)
Program Officer
Panagis, James S
Project Start
2002-04-01
Project End
Budget Start
2002-04-01
Budget End
2003-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$54,352
Indirect Cost
Name
Cornell University
Department
Other Clinical Sciences
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
City
Ithaca
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
14850
Dahlgren, Linda A; Mohammed, Hussni O; Nixon, Alan J (2006) Expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in healing tendon lesions. J Orthop Res 24:183-92
Dahlgren, Linda A; Mohammed, Hussni O; Nixon, Alan J (2005) Temporal expression of growth factors and matrix molecules in healing tendon lesions. J Orthop Res 23:84-92
Dahlgren, Linda A; Nixon, Alan J (2005) Cloning and expression of equine insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in normal equine tendon. Am J Vet Res 66:300-6
Dahlgren, Linda A; Brower-Toland, Brent D; Nixon, Alan J (2005) Cloning and expression of type III collagen in normal and injured tendons of horses. Am J Vet Res 66:266-70
Dahlgren, L A; Nixon, A J; Brower-Toland, B D (2001) Effects of beta-aminopropionitrile on equine tendon metabolism in vitro and on effects of insulin-like growth factor-I on matrix production by equine tenocytes. Am J Vet Res 62:1557-62