The efect of aging on aquaporin 1-3 density at meniscal tissue

AİM: At the aging process histological, biochemical, morphological and biomechanical changes occurs in meniscus structure. Aquaporin proteins are the membrane proteins those are considered to produce and maintain the cell and extracellular matrix by carring water and small solutes across the membrane. At the aging process degeneration occurs in meniscus and the flexibility and durability decreases. This study intended to establish the channging at the aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 3 expression levels between young and old rat menisci. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 14 Wistar albino rats (180-400g) were used. Animals were divided into two equal groups. Group I two months young animals (n = 7), Group II 18 month old animals (n = 7) was held. Knee joints were used to examine the aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 3 expressions in the menisci by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: At the end of the study we experienced the significantly decreasing of aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 3 expressions by aging.