Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th May 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Study finds cells which contribute to equine tendon injuries
“The findings of these experiments will allow future studies to develop therapeutics for tendon injuries targeted at specific cell populations” – Dr Chavaunne Thorpe.
The research could pave the way for new treatments.

Scientists have identified the different cell populations in horses’ tendons and determined which cells are disproportionately affected by ageing.

Although it is well known that the risk of tendon injuries increases with age in horses, this is the first study to discover the particular cells which are most affected by ageing. It is hoped that the work will pave the way for researchers to develop tendon-injury treatments which target these cells.

Led by Dr Chavaunne Thorpe of the Royal Veterinary College, the researchers used single cell RNA sequencing to identify the different cell types in superficial digital flexor tendons from both young and old horses.

The researchers identified a total of 11 cell types, including cells associated with blood vessels and the immune system as well as several different populations of tenocytes. They found that one tenocyte population and one blood-vessel-associated population associated were most affected by ageing, with an altered ability to maintain tendon structure and respond to injury.

Dr Thorpe said: “Our results uncover just how complex and variable cell populations within tendons are and show that some cells are particularly prone to age-related alterations, helping to explain why the risk of tendon injury is higher in older individuals.

“The findings of these experiments will allow future studies to develop therapeutics for tendon injuries targeted at specific cell populations.”

Dr Danae Zamboulis, one of the contributors to the study, added: “This study is an exciting step towards understanding the cells that regulate tendon function and injury.”

The study has been published in the journal Aging and Disease.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.