AGE-RELATED-CHANGES OF ELEMENT CONTENTS IN THE HUMAN MENISCUS

The relative contents (RCs) of elements in the human menisci from 23 s ubjects in the age range between 65 and 93 yr were analyzed by inducti vely coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The RCs of sulfur, c alcium, and phosphorus in menisci increased progressively until the 80 s, being the highest in the 80s, and thereafter decreased. The RCs of magnesium in menisci increased progressively until the 90s. Regarding the medial and lateral menisci, higher RCs of magnesium and iron, and a lower RC of phosphorus were found in lateral menisci in comparison w ith those in medial menisci. There were sexual differences in the RCs of calcium and phosphorus of medial and lateral menisci. The RCs of ca lcium and phosphorus were about 50% higher in women's menisci than in men's. Histological examinations showed that structureless mucoid mass es were observed in the menisci, with very high RCs of calcium and pho sphorus being detected.