Articular-epiphyseal cartilage from the femur of New Zealand rabbits was subjected to histochemistry for determination of the presence of metabolic enzymes along its zonal stratification. Glycolytic enzymes were strongly reactive in all of the zones. Krebs cycle enzymes, enzymes of the hexose monophosphate shunt and the respiratory chain enzymes showed a progressive increase in reactivity from the tangential zone through the top half of the epiphyseal zone. Indicators of lipid metabolism were fairly high in all regions of the cartilage.

T he vastus medialis (VM) muscle, located medially in the anterior compartment of the thigh, is one of the four components of the quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle. In 1968, Lieb and Perry (17) initially described the VM as being subdivided into two components: a proximal portion referred to as the vastus medialis longus (VML) and a distal portion referred to as the vastus medialis oblique (VMO). Their classical study was divided into two portions: cadaver dissections to measure fiber angles and directions of pull of the various QF muscle fibers and biomechanical studies with freshly amputated lower limbs to determine the mechanical effects of the QF components in producing knee extension. The cadaver dissections showed that the proximal VM muscle fibers deviated 12-15" medially from the shaft of the femur, while the distal VM fibers deviated 50-55" from the same reference point. Due to the marked and abrupt change in fiber alignment between the two portions, the VM was then considered to be composed of two parts, the VML and the VMO. In one of their six cadaver specimens, there was a distinct separation between these two portions, defined by an areolar fascia1 plane, with a separate nerve trunk seen supplying both portions of the VM muscle. Patellofemoral joint deterioration (PF)D) is frequently seen in physical therapy

The mechanism of the production of ethanol-associated osteopenia seems to be a direct effect of alcohol on bone cells and an indirect or modulating effect through mineral regulating hormones such as vitamin D metabolites, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin. The modulating effects of these hormones on bone and mineral metabolism in acute and chronic alcohol consumption is discussed herein.

Actively growing rats given 5% alcohol by gavage for 2 days per week have an increased bone length, bone weight, and bone density. The interpretation of these results must be viewed with great caution because studies of chronic alcohol consumption, and many studies of acute drinking, clearly indicate deleterious effects of alcohol on bone health. Those fed alcohol for 5 days per week showed no change.

It has been hypothesized that boron (B) is an essential element for animals, but its action will vary greatly depending on the nutriture of the organism. One of the nutrients implicated as having an interaction with boron is cholecalciferol (Vit D3). This study was carried out to determine if such an interaction exists. The study was conducted utilizing vitamin D-deficient chicken embryos that were injected through the shell at 8 d of embryogenesis with carrier (NaCl and/or acetone), B (0.5 mg), B + Vit D3 (0.5 mg and 0.3 microgram, respectively), or Vit D3 (0.3 or 1.5 micrograms). The in ovo concomitant administration of boron and vitamin D enhanced (p less than 0.05) the hatchability of the vitamin D-deficient embryos. Furthermore, boron and/or vitamin D3 increased (p less than 0.05) the percent of bone ash and decreased (p less than 0.05) the exaggerated height of the proliferative zone of the epiphyseal growth plate normally observed in vitamin D deficiency, suggesting a more rapid bone formation. The results provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that boron plays a role in bone mineralization through an interaction with vitamin D.