Abstract
Two cytochemical methods (malachite green fixation and PLA2-gold complex technique) were combined in order to detect the presence and ultrastructural distribution of phospholipids in epiphyseal cartilage and metaphyseal bone of 25-day-old rats. Chondrocytes and osteoblasts showed a more intense PLA2-gold complex labeling of rough endoplasmic reticulum than mitochondria and plasma membranes. Roundish osmiophilic, electron-dense, lightly labeled structures were visible at the periphery of the cells. In areas of early mineralization of cartilage, not all the matrix vesicles were labeled by PLA2-gold complex. Calcification nodules showed intense labeling in comparison with the surrounding, lightly labeled uncalcified matrix; gold particles were chiefly found at their periphery. Calcification nodules of metaphyseal bone were deeply electron-dense after glutaraldehyde-malachite green fixation; PLA2-gold labeling was mainly found in connection with crystals, whereas the uncalcified matrix was weakly labeled. Calcified bone matrix showed a heavy labeling with randomly scattered gold particles. When pre-embedding decalcification was carried out in the presence of malachite green, a good preservation of organic component was obtained. The PLA2-gold positivity of decalcified areas of cartilage and bone confirmed the presence of phospholipids in mineralized matrix.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 559-565 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Bone |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 1996 |
Keywords
- Calcification
- Malachite green
- Phospholipase A (PLA)
- Phospholipids
- PLA-gold complex
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Hematology