Tendon lesion and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection: rat model

Introduction: For a few years, the positive effect of platelets on the healing process of different tissues (skin, bones...) was demonstrated. In fact platelets contain lots of growth factors which can be release locally and enhance the healing process. Thus the aim of our experiment was to ascertain by an original mechanical measure whether the use of PRP was of interest for accelerating the healing process of rats’ Achilles tendons after surgical induced lesion.
Methods: Ninety rats’ Achilles tendons were sectioned. Forty-two rats beneficed of a PRP injection in situ. After 5, 15 and 30 days, 15 rats of both groups were euthanized after tendon sampling which were immediately submitted to a biomechanical tensile test until tendon rupture, using an original method of measurement (“cryo-jaw”). Histological and biochemical analyses were made as well as a quantification of collagen with an original procedure (quantification of the “greys” on histological cross-sections).
Results: Tendons in the PRP group were more resistant to rupture than those in the control group. Histological findings showed in this group an increase of collagen proliferation and better collagen fibres reorganization. However, we did not find any biochemical difference neither in term of encoding gene expression for type III collagen, matrix metalloprotease 9 and tenomodulin.
Conclusion: Our animal study demonstrated that an injection of PRP could accelerate the tendons healing process and improve its quality.