Standardization of immunohistochemical technique and investigation of components related to joint contracture in sheep

This study aimed to investigate the presence of components, mast cells and myofibroblasts, to develop joint contraction in sheep and evaluate a potential as an experimental model for the development of this problem. Fifteen capsules of Santa Inês ewe lambs were used to localize the α-SMA protein, identifying a presence of myofibroblasts by the immunohistochemical technique, and mast cells by the Toluidine Blue staining under a light microscope. In the joint capsules, rare mast cells were stained. Studies on joint capsule lesions of sheep should be conducted to confirm the presence of myofibroblasts and joint contracture development.