The method employed in this study was sufficient to generate 3D images of a limited number of tenocytes. The immunohistochemical protocol would benefit from some development, if further study of alpha-SMA was required. Antibody concentrations and incubation times could be increased, as could rinse times. The method could potentially be applied to other tissues to investigate the 3D distribution of alpha-SMA.

Consistent with previous findings, tenocytes in foal SDFT stain positively for alpha-SMA. However, fluorescence intensity was not consistently bright enough to make a broad survey of tenocyte reactivity. It is probably more appropriate to use other histochemical techniques, like thin sectioned non-fluorescent preparations, if cell counts are important.

For further study of tenocyte cytoskeleton, an actin-isotype-non-specific stain could be used, for example a fluorescent phallotoxin (Molecular Probes). This stain is applied in one step, stabilises the filamentous actin structure and due to its small size, penetrates thick tissue sections readily. However it would not positively identify alpha-SMA.

Confocal microscopy produced excellent 3D images of tenocyte nuclei and cytoplasm. Advanced visualisation software was essential for the production of 3D rendered images.

The function of alpha-SMA in tenocytes is unknown.  Its contractile properties in other tissues suggest that tenocytes may have the ability to actively shorten tendon tissue, or to pull tenocytes together laterally.  These functions may be of use during collagen remodelling, or in a wound healing environment.