Summary
Three-dimensional (3-D) culture of chondrocytes has been shown to promote cell proliferation,
differentiation, and production of matrix while providing for cell morphology and
matrix characteristics that resemble normal articular cartilage (1-3). In a recently
published study, enhanced glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production was demonstrated in canine
chondrocytes in 3-D culture on cancellous bone substrate (3). The effects of growth
factors known to be present in cryopreserved bone were suggested to be responsible.
Various growth factors including epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth
factor (FGF), and plateletderived growth factor (PDGF) have been shown to enhance
chondrocyte DNA production, mitotic activity, and matrix production (5-10). The objective
of the study reported here was to evaluate the effects of one concentration of EGF,
FGF, and PDGF on canine chondrocyte proliferation and production of normal matrix
constituents in 3-D culture.
Canine articular chondrocytes were cultured in three-dimensional medium for 25 days.
EGF, FGF, and PDGF were added to the culture medium. Chondrocytes in 3-D culture maintained
viability and differentiation. Cell morphology and matrix production resembled that
of intact hyaline cartilage. Significant differences with respect to cell counts,
glycosaminoglycan concentration, or collagen type II immuno-reactivity as the result
of added growth factors were not found.
Keywords
Chondrocytes - three-dimensional culture - growth factors - glycosaminoglycans - dimethylmethylene
blue - collagen type II
