Education and training in dementia care.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
A Kydd
Publications and source records attributed to A Kydd.
Gender and pregnancy affect neuropeptide responses of the rabbit Achilles tendon.
Tendons such as the Achilles tendon are complex structures that are hypocellular, hypovascular, and hyponeural. The development of pathophysiologic function in this tendon because of overuse is relatively common; however, the mechanisms responsible for the development of paratenonitis and tendinosis remain primarily undefined. To understand better a possible regulatory role for neuropeptides (substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide) known to be present in this tissue, the influence of substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide on messenger ribonucleic acid levels for numerous inflammatory molecules, growth factors, and proteinases and inhibitors have been assessed using a semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method and explants of paratenon and Achilles tendon midsubstance tissue from adolescent male and female rabbits and tissue from primigravida females. Most of the significant (p < 0.01) changes observed were at the level of the growth factor transcripts and transcripts for proteinases and inhibitors. Twenty-one significant differences in the responsiveness between tissues from male and female rabbits were observed, and 12 significant differences in responsiveness between virgin females and primigravida rabbits were seen. Differences between paratenon and midsubstance responsiveness to the neuropeptides also were observed within each group of animals. The midsubstance tissue from pregnant animals was hyporesponsive to both neuropeptides. These results indicate that neurotransmitter responsiveness of Achilles tendon tissue differs in a gender specific manner and is influenced by pregnancy associated factors.
Achilles Tendon↗
Gender and neurogenic variables in tendon biology and repetitive motion disorders.
The incidence of repetitive motion disorders is increasing. Numerous studies have indicated that the incidence in females exceeds that in males. Some of the evidence regarding gender related factors in tendon biology is discussed and new data related to the regulation of gene expression in an animal model of tendon overuse, the determination of sex hormone receptors in tendons, and the influence of pregnancy associated factors on gene expression in four different tendons is provided. Furthermore, because neurogenic mechanisms may contribute to inflammatory conditions, new evidence is provided that supports the concept that neurotransmitters can influence expression of genes that could participate in such inflammation. By increasing our understanding of the regulation of tendon cellular and molecular biology, new approaches to preventing disease development and treatment of existing disease may evolve.
Animals↗