Microscopy
Examined the structure of the matrix and how long it held that structure at body temperature.
Published In Vitro Study · Leise et al., Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, October 2026
A peer-reviewed laboratory study from the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine characterized the structure, gradual breakdown, protein release and extracellular vesicle content of equicenta® CTM samples from multiple donors.
Evidence at a glance
Leise BS, Catunda APN, Bertone AL. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports 2026;17:633966.
Study design
The researchers studied equicenta® CTM samples from multiple donors in the laboratory.
Examined the structure of the matrix and how long it held that structure at body temperature.
Exposed the matrix to collagenase, an enzyme found in injured tissue, and measured selected proteins and cytokines.
Counted and sized extracellular vesicles in samples from 11 donors and tested for exosome-associated markers.
Led by Britta S. Leise, DVM, PhD, DACVS-LA, of the Equine Health and Sports Performance Program at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, with Antonio P. N. Catunda, DVM, PhD, and Alicia L. Bertone, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACVSMR.
What the researchers observed
Microscopy revealed a fibrillar, net-like extracellular matrix that kept its structure for two weeks in a tissue-supportive environment at body temperature.
When exposed to collagenase, the type of enzyme found in injured tissue, the matrix broke down gradually, releasing collagen type I continuously over 24 hours.
Selected proteins measured
When the matrix was broken down, levels of these proteins increased, consistent with these factors being associated with the scaffold.
As reported in the study.
Bars drawn to scale. A2M: alpha-2 macroglobulin. TIMP-2: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2. IGF-1: insulin-like growth factor 1.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines were low and decreased further after matrix extraction.
IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) was the most abundant anti-inflammatory cytokine measured.
Characterization
Surface markers associated with exosomes, detected on the vesicles.
A cargo marker associated with exosomes, also detected.
Where this fits
Protein content of equicenta® CTM and a 42-day biocompatibility study in 8 clinically normal horses. See the BMC study
A multicenter controlled clinical trial in 138 horses with 195 conditions across 8 U.S. equine practices. See the clinical study
This study: in vitro characterization of structure, breakdown, proteins and extracellular vesicles. Read the paper
References
Next
Two earlier peer-reviewed studies describe the protein content and in vivo biocompatibility of equicenta® CTM, and a multicenter controlled clinical trial.