Morphoangiogenesis: A Unique Action of Growth Hormone

Additive Effects of Intra-articular Injection of Growth Hormone and Hyaluronic Acid in Rabbit Model of Collagenase-induced Osteoarthritis

“…New form of angiogenesis, morphoangiogenesis, was reported in the knee of adult rabbits with intra-articular GH injections for articulophyseal cartilage regeneration (9). Instead of four layered daughter vessels identical to their parent vessels in regular angiogenesis, capillaries with single layer fenestrated thin wall were formed by intra-articular growth hormone induced morphoangiogenesis.…”

“…Circulating GH or one of its mediators may accelerate osteochondral defect healing by stimulating osseous and chondral tissue formation (8). Morphoangiogenesis was initially identified in the knees of adult rabbits undergoing intra-articular GH injections for articulophyseal cartilage regeneration (9). In this experiment, the regeneration cascade resulted in the transformation of central arteries in the subchondral osteones into tortuous, thin-walled fenestrated capillary structures which contained erythrocytes, histiocytes, stem cells, and chondrocytes.…”

Clinical Aspects of Regenerative Medicine

“…IGF-1 downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and (IL)-1beta to accelerate the regenerative process of injured skeletal muscle, balance the inflammatory response, and limit fibrosis [113]. Dunn et al illustrated increased cartilage growth from intra-articular injections of HGH [114]. Kim et al showed that intra-articular injections of HGH with HA in a rabbit model of collagenase-induced arthritis resulted in shorter duration and lower severity of lameness, with less cartilage damage and superior histopathological scores [115].…”

Intra-Articular Injections for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis: Focus on the Clinical Use of Several Regimens

“…On the contrary, Growth hormone administration showed no measurable effects on fracture healing in a standardized tibia osteotomy rabbit model (Carpenter et al, 1992). Morphoangiogenesis was initially identified in the knees of adult rabbits undergoing intraarticular Growth hormone injections for articulophyseal cartilage regeneration (Dunn, 2002). In this experiment, the regeneration cascade resulted in transformation of central arteries in subchondral osteones into tortuous, thin-walled fenestrated capillary structures containing erythrocytes, histiocytes, stem cells, and chondrocytes.…”