A study on cell proliferation in cultured human tendons--time dependence, and labeling of 5-bromodeoxyuridine.

Cells which proliferated on cultured human tendon were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and by immunohistochemical staining. Cell proliferation was continuously observed after 3, 6, 9 and 14 days in culture. Electron microscopy revealed the proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts and macrophages on the cut surface of the tendon. Immunohistochemical staining by 5-bromodeoxyuridine demonstrated increased cellular activity of the proliferation in the epitenon and endotenon, and also in some mature tenocytes. This activity reached a peak on the 9th day of incubation.