RT Journal Article
T1 Innervation pattern of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee: Indication of an active role in proprioception and autonomic modulation
A1 Arviza Lorenzo, Pablo César
A1 Aragonés Maza, Paloma
A1 Valderrama Canales, Francisco José
A1 Schicht, M.
A1 Paulsen, F.
A1 Tschernig, T.
A1 Brockmeyer, M.
A1 Ruzik, K.
A1 Vázquez Osorio, María Teresa
AB Background: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee is increasingly recognized as a key structure in rotational stability, yet its anatomical and functional properties remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the innervation of the ALL using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy to characterize its neurochemical profile and structural organization.Methods: Seventeen ALL samples from adult human body donors were analyzed. Thirteen were examined using immunohistochemical staining for PGP9.5 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1)), VAChT (Vesicular acetylcholine transporter), TH (tyrosine hydroxylase), CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide), and NOS (nitric oxide synthase). Four additional samples underwent transmission electron microscopy to assess ultrastructural features. Six Fibular collateral ligaments (FCL) were used as controls.Results: All ALL specimens displayed positive immunoreactivity for the markers evaluated, confirming the presence of neurochemically diverse peripheral nerve fibers. Both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers were identified, though no encapsulated mechanoreceptors were observed. The innervation pattern was comparable to that of the (FCL), used as a control.Conclusion: The ALL is a richly innervated structure with sensory, autonomic, and potential for neuromodulation, suggesting an active role in proprioception and homeostasis. These findings challenge previous views of the ALL as a passive capsular thickening and underscore its functional relevance in knee joint physiology.
PB Elsevier
SN 0940-9602
YR 2025
FD 2025-09-11
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/126353
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/126353
LA eng
NO Arviza-Lorenzo P, Aragonés P, Valderrama-Canales FJ, Schicht M, Paulsen F, Tschernig T, Brockmeyer M, Ruzik K, Vázquez Osorio MT. Innervation pattern of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee: Indication of an active role in proprioception and autonomic modulation. Ann Anat. 2025 Sep 11;263:152732. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152732. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40945874.
NO 2025 Acuerdos transformativos CRUE
DS Docta Complutense
RD 23 mar 2026