Biochemical variations in the matrix of human tendons in relation to age and pathological conditions.

With increasing age, the human tendon shows an increase of collagen and a diminution of mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins. Similar findings have recently been reported by other authors in the tendons of mammals. Fragments of tendon affected by tendinosis, obtained dlring suture and tenoplasty operations, were also examined. Marked diminution of collagen and an increase of acid mucopolysaccharides and structural glycoproteins were found as compared with the control tendon.