Distribution of smooth muscle actin‐containing cells in the human meniscus

Abstract
This is the first report of a contractile actin isoform, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), in the cells of the human meniscus that lacked meniscal tears based on gross anatomical appearance. Approximately 25% of the cells in the tissue contained SMA by immunohistochemistry. Most of the SMA‐positive cells were chondrocytic in morphology. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.