BLUE AUTOFLUORESCENCE OF HUMAN ACHILLES TENDON COLLAGEN IN RELATION TO AGING
1985 Volume 18 Issue 4 Pages 439-443
Details
1985 Volume 18 Issue 4 Pages 439-443
Pieces of Achilles tendons obtained from 15 autopsies and 17 amputated legs were cut at a standard thickness and examined for blue autofluorescence in relation to the patients' ages. The intensity of fluorescence was estimated subjectively as well as densitometrically with a photomultiplier. Fluorescence increased in intensity after the fifth decade in tendons obtained at autopsy. No age dependence was noted in tendons of amputated legs.
It is suggested that the blue fluorescence is due to pyridinoline or similar crosslinks. The fluorescence intensity can serve as an indication of age. The effect of ischemia requires further study.
