Surface-active phospholipid (surfactant) in equine tendon and tendon sheath fluid

AIM: To investigate the presence of surface-active phospholipid (SAPL, or surfactant) in equine tendon and tendon sheath fluid.

METHODS: The left front flexor tendon and sheath were removed from five Thoroughbred horses. Phospholipid was extracted from tendon sheath fluid using Folch reagent and quantified using spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the tendon surfaces.

RESULTS: The presence of phospholipid (90.6 (SD 4.3) g/ml) in tendon sheath fluid, plus the appearance of oligolamellar layers and lamellar bodies on the tendon surface were indicative of SAPL.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of SAPL was found in equine tendon, and may have a similar lubricating function as reported for synovial joints.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings may have important implications for normal tendon function and possible therapeutic adjuncts for tendon and tendon sheath injuries.