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.
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.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
