Histological and histochemical investigations of the epiphyseal cartilage in rats after administration of heparin, coumarin as well as coumarin and diphosphonate (EHDP).

Heparin and coumarin (Marcumar) as well as coumarin combined with a diphosphonate (EHDP) were examined histologically and histochemically with regard to their effect on the structure of the epiphyseal cartilage in rats. Topo-optical reactions were used to assess the submicroscopic structural changes in the developing trabeculae of metaphysis. The zone of resting cartilage and the zone of young proliferation cartilage in epiphyseal plates revealed a reduced cell count due to the influence of anticoagulants. With regard to the matrix of the epiphyseal plate, it may be stated that its ultrastructure appeared partly regular and that, on the other hand, large areas of degeneration were detected in the connective-tissue. The negative effect of anticoagulants on the ground substance could not be reduced definitely by means of a diphosphonate (EHDP) in conjunction with Marcumar which was administered simultaneously.