RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Local denaturation of collagen fibres during the mechanical rupture of collagenous fibrous tissue.
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 164
OP 167
DO 10.1136/ard.39.2.164
VO 39
IS 2
A1 Minns, R J
A1 Steven, F S
YR 1980
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/39/2/164.abstract
AB Human extensor tendons of the hand were pulled to rupture, and the torn ends, when observed in the scanning electron microscope, appeared to be knotted, possibly owing to the denaturation of the collagen. This confirmed by fluorimetry assays of both the ruptured ends and the middle unbroken sections of the same tendons. The use of a proteolytic enzyme, trypsin, to remove the denatured material and enhance the repair of organised collagen fibres from both ends is suggested if the ruptured ends have the denatured knotted appearance commonly observed clinically.