Histology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry of human rib cartilage canals

In contrast to articular cartilage the hyaline rib cartilage takes up a special position due to its size, shape and the kind of mechanical stress as well. These facts may influence the metabolism of rib cartilage. In our histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations on pieces of rib cartilages of 34 persons at the age of fourth fetal month up to 60 years we could regularly demonstrate cartilage canals containing blood vessels without any spatial or temporal relationship to degenerative changes in cartilage tissue. Many of these cartilage canals are located in the center of the rib cartilage. Blood vessels as well as neuronal structures in the connective tissue of cartilage canals were detected by-means of antibodies against components of the vessel wall (,Von Willebrand factor) and nerve fibers (PGP 9.5). Nerves may have sensoric or vasomotoric functions as well, and they may influence cell differentiation and regeneration processes, respectively. Cartilage can not be regarded as vascularized like other tissues, but cartilage canals may have great functional importance for the metabolism of rib cartilage.