Platelet‐rich plasma enhances the initial mobilization of circulation‐derived cells for tendon healing

Abstract

Circulation-derived cells play a crucial role in the healing processes of tissue. In early phases of tendon healing processes, circulation-derived cells temporarily exist in the wounded area to initiate the healing process and decrease in number with time. We assumed that a delay of time-dependent decrease in circulation-derived cells could improve the healing of tendons. In this study, we injected platelet-rich plasma (PRP) containing various kinds of growth factors into the wounded area of the patellar tendon, and compared the effects on activation of circulation-derived cells and enhancement of tendon healing with a control group (no PRP injection). To follow the circulation-derived cells, we used a green fluorescent protein (GFP) chimeric rat expressing GFP in the circulating cells and bone marrow cells. In the PRP group, the numbers of GFP-positive cells and heat-shock protein (HSP47; collagen-specific molecular chaperone)-positive cells were significantly higher than in the control group at 3 and 7 days after injury. At the same time, the immunoreactivity for types I and III collagen was higher in the PRP group than in the control group at early phase of tendon healing. These findings suggest that locally injected PRP is useful as an activator of circulation-derived cells for enhancement of the initial tendon healing process.

Use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of refractory jumper’s knee

“…Releasate from platelet-rich plasma has been seen to activate circulation-derived cells [21] that play a crucial role in the tissue healing process and stimulate gene expression of the matrix molecules, collagen production and tendon cell proliferation [22]. In vitro studies demonstrated this mitogenic activity and that the stimulated tenocytes synthesise VEGF and HGF, thus suggesting a beneficial effect for the treatment of tendon injuries by inducing cell proliferation and promoting the synthesis of angiogenic factors during the healing process.…”

Effects of platelet‐rich plasma on the quality of repair of mechanically induced core lesions in equine superficial digital flexor tendons: A placebo‐controlled experimental study

“…8,9 PRP treatment of tendon disorders appeared to be effective in human and equine patients, [10][11][12] and studies using laboratory animals or in vitro methods have elucidated some of the working mechanisms. 8,9,13,14 Platelets are known to play a crucial role in the cascade of tissue healing by delivering growth factors to the site of injury. 15 Upon activation, platelets release growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-b, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, from their a-granules.…”

Platelet rich plasma treatment of superficial digital flexor tendon lesions in racing Thoroughbreds

“…More recently, PRP was used in human and equine sport medicine for therapy defects in ligaments and tendons (Mishra and Pavelko 2006;Arguelles et al 2008;Waselau et al 2008). A great advantage of autologous PRP therapy is the lack of immunological response in the treated organism (Kajikawa et al 2008).…”