[Effect of Synovectomy on the Glycosaminoglycan Content in the Articular Cartilage]

Experimental Synovectomy of canine-knee was used for the study of synovial regeneration; histochemical staining with safranin-O and alcian-blue 8 GS, scanning electronmicroscopical studies of cryostat sections with sulfur Stimulation and biochemical analysis of the acid glycosaminoglycan content of cartilage were performed. Following synovectomy the developed "neosynovialis" shows contrary to the situation before a remarkable fibrosis beneath the lining-cells. The acid glycosaminoglycan-content of the cartilage early drops down; 50 days later the GAG-content reaches nearly normal values. At this time not only the histological appearance, but also the nutritive function of neosynovialis seems to be sufficient.