Repairing articular cartilage defects with tissueengineering cartilage in rabbits

Objective: To investigate the effect of cancellous bone matrix gelatin ( BMG ) engineered with allogeneic chondrocytes in repairing articular cartilage defects in rabbits. Methods: Chondrocytes were seeded onto three-dimensional cancellous BMG and cultured in vitro for 12 days to prepare BMG-chondrocyte complexes. Under anesthesia with 2.5% pentobarbital sodium (1ml/kg body weight), articular cartilage defects were made on the right knee joints of 38 healthy New Zealand white rabbits (regardless of sex, aged 4-5 months and weighing 2. 5-3 kg) and the defects were then treated with 2. 5% trypsin. Then BMG-chondrocyte complex ( Group A, n = 18 ), BMG (Group B, n = 10), and nothing (Group C, n = 10) were implanted into the cartilage defects, respectively. The repairing effects were assessed by macroscopic, histologic, transmission electron microscopic ( TEM ) observation, immunohistochemical examination and in situ hybridization detection, respectively, at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after operation. Results: Cancellous BMG was degraded within 8 weeks after operation. In Group A, lymphocyte infiltration was observed around the graft. At 24 weeks after operation, the cartilage defects were repaired by cartilage tissues and the articular cartilage and subchondral bone were soundly healed. Proteoglycan and type II collagen were detected in the matrix of the repaired tissues by Safranin-O staining and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. In situ hybridization proved gene expression of type II collagen in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes in the repaired tissues. TEM observation showed that chondrocytes and cartilage matrix in repaired tissues were almost same as those in the normal articular cartilage. In Group B, the defects were repaired by cartilage-fibrous tissues. In Group C, the defects were repaired only by fibrous tissues. Conclusions: Cancellous BMG can be regarded as the natural cell scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering. Articular cartilage defects can be repaired by cancellous BMG engineered with allogeneic chondrocytes. The nature of repaired tissues is closest to the normal cartilage. Local administration of trypsin can promote the adherence of repaired tissues to host tissues. Transplantation of allogeneic chondrocytes has immunogenicity, but the immune reaction is weak.     

软骨细胞与骨髓基质细胞共培养体外构建软骨组织的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of chondrogenesis in vitro with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) induced by the co-cultured chondrocytes. Methods The BMSCs and chondrocytes were separated from pig and cultured. The supernatant of chondrocytes was used as the inducing solution for BMSCs from the 2nd generation. 7 days later, samples were taken and underwent immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR for detection of the expression of specific type Ⅱ cartilage collagen,type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan mRNA. The cultured BMSCs and chondrocytes were mixed at a ratio of 8:2(BMSC: cartilage cell) and were inoculated into a polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid (PGA/PLA) scaffold at the final concentration of 5.0 × 107/ml. The cartilage cells and BMSCs were also inoculated seperately at the same concentration as the positive and negative control. Pure cartilage cells at 20% of the abovementioned concentration (1.0 × 107/ml) were used as the low concentration cartilage cell control group. Samples were collected 8 weeks later. General observations, wet weight, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) determination and histological and immunohistochemistry examinations were performed. Results The expression of type Ⅱ collagen, type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan mRNA were positive in induced BMSCs.In the co-cultured group and the positive control group, pure mature cartilage was formed after 8 weeks of culture in vitro, and the size and shape of the scaffold were maintained. The newly formed cartilage in the two groups were almost the same in appearance and histological properties. The immunohistochemistry results indicated that the cartilage cells of the two groups all expressed ample cartilage-specific type Ⅱ collagen. The average wet weight and GAG content in the co-cultured group reached more than 70% of those in positive control group. Only an extremely small amount of immature cartilage tissues was formed in local regions in pure BMSC group, and the scaffold was obviously shrunk and deformed. Although the wet weight of newly generated cartilage tissue in the low concentration cartilage cell group reached 30% of that in positive control group, the scaffold was obviously shrunken and deformed. Only regional and discontinuous cartilage tissues were formed, and the amount of newly formed cartilage was obviously less than that in the co-culture group and the positive control group. Conclusions Chondrocytes can provide a micro-environment for the formation of cartilage, and also effectively induce BMSC to differentiate into chondrocytes and form tissue-engineered cartilage in vitro.     

软骨细胞与骨髓基质细胞共培养体外构建软骨组织的实验研究

Objective To investigate the feasibility of chondrogenesis in vitro with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) induced by the co-cultured chondrocytes. Methods The BMSCs and chondrocytes were separated from pig and cultured. The supernatant of chondrocytes was used as the inducing solution for BMSCs from the 2nd generation. 7 days later, samples were taken and underwent immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR for detection of the expression of specific type Ⅱ cartilage collagen,type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan mRNA. The cultured BMSCs and chondrocytes were mixed at a ratio of 8:2(BMSC: cartilage cell) and were inoculated into a polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid (PGA/PLA) scaffold at the final concentration of 5.0 × 107/ml. The cartilage cells and BMSCs were also inoculated seperately at the same concentration as the positive and negative control. Pure cartilage cells at 20% of the abovementioned concentration (1.0 × 107/ml) were used as the low concentration cartilage cell control group. Samples were collected 8 weeks later. General observations, wet weight, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) determination and histological and immunohistochemistry examinations were performed. Results The expression of type Ⅱ collagen, type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan mRNA were positive in induced BMSCs.In the co-cultured group and the positive control group, pure mature cartilage was formed after 8 weeks of culture in vitro, and the size and shape of the scaffold were maintained. The newly formed cartilage in the two groups were almost the same in appearance and histological properties. The immunohistochemistry results indicated that the cartilage cells of the two groups all expressed ample cartilage-specific type Ⅱ collagen. The average wet weight and GAG content in the co-cultured group reached more than 70% of those in positive control group. Only an extremely small amount of immature cartilage tissues was formed in local regions in pure BMSC group, and the scaffold was obviously shrunk and deformed. Although the wet weight of newly generated cartilage tissue in the low concentration cartilage cell group reached 30% of that in positive control group, the scaffold was obviously shrunken and deformed. Only regional and discontinuous cartilage tissues were formed, and the amount of newly formed cartilage was obviously less than that in the co-culture group and the positive control group. Conclusions Chondrocytes can provide a micro-environment for the formation of cartilage, and also effectively induce BMSC to differentiate into chondrocytes and form tissue-engineered cartilage in vitro.     

Green fluorescent protein as marker in chondrocytes overexpressing human insulin-like growth factor-1 for repair of articular cartilage defects in rabbits

Objective:To label the primary articular chondrocytes overexpressing human insulin-like growth factor (hIGF-1) with green fluorescent protein (GFP) for repair of articular cartilage defects in rabbits. Methods: GFP cDNA was inserted into pcDNA3. 1-hIGF-1 to label the expression vector. The recombinant vector, pcGI, a mammalian expression vector with multiple cloning sites under two respective cytomegalovirus promoters/enhancers, was transfected into the primary articular chondrocytes with the help of lipofectamine. After the positive cell clones were selected by G418, G418-resistant chondrocytes were cultured in medium for 4 weeks. The stable expression of hIGF-1 in the articular chondrocytes was determined by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical analysis and the GFP was confirmed under a fluorescence microscope. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium ( MTT) and flow cytometer methods were employed to determine the effect of transfection on proliferation of chondrocytes. Gray value was used to analyze quantitatively the expression of type II collagen. Results: The expression of hIGF-1 and GFP was confirmed in transfected chondrocytes by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemical analysis and fluorescence microscope observation. Green articular chondrocytes overexpressing hIGF-1 could expand and maintain their chondrogenic phenotypes for more than 4 weeks. After the transfection of IGF-1, the proliferation of chondrocytes was enhanced and the chondrocytes could effectively maintain the expression of typeⅡcollagen. Conclusions: The hIGF-1 eukaryotic expression vector containing GFP marker gene has been successfully constructed. GFP, which can be visualized in real time and in situ, is stably expressed in articular chondrocytes overexpressing hIGF-1. The labeled articular chondrocytes overexpressing hIGF-1 can be applied in cell-mediated gene therapy as well as for other biomedical purposes of transgenic chondrocytes.     

Growth differentiation factor-5 stimulates the growth and anabolic metabolism of articular chondrocytes

Objective： To observe the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 （GDF-5） on the growth and anabolic metabolism of articular chondrocytes. Methods： The articular chondrocytes isolated from rats were treated with various concentrations of rmGDF-5, and the growth of chondrocytes measured by MTT assay, the cellular cartilage matrices formation detected sulfated glycosaminoglycan by Alcian blue staining and type Ⅱ collagen by RT-PCR, the collagen phenotypic expression of chondrocytes detected by immunofluorescence. Results： After 7 days culture, MTT assay showed that GDF-5 enhanced the growth of chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, RT-PCR showed that GDF-5 clearly induced the synthesis of type Ⅱcollagen because of the col2al mRNA band more and more strong in a dose-dependent. Chondrocytes were cultured with GDF-5 for 14 days, the intensity of Alcian blue staining was greatly enhanced, especially, at a high concentration of 1000ng/ml, and GDF-5 enhanced the accumulation of the Alcian blue-stainable material in a concentration-dependent manner and in a does-dependent manner. Chondrocytes were cultured with GDF-5 for 21 days, immunofluorescent staining of type Ⅱ collagen was clear, the type Ⅰ and Ⅹ collagen were negative. Conclusion： GDF-5 enhanced the growth of mature articular chondrocytes, and stimulated the cellular cartilage matrices formation, but did not change the collagen phenotypic expression of chondrocytes in mono-layer culture.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

不同持续时间的周期性压力对构建组织工程软骨的影响

Objective To determine the best duration for exerting the cyclic pressure under which the tissue-engineered cartilage is constructed. Methods Free chondrocytes isolated from rabbit articular cartilage were seeded into polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid(PLGA) scaffolds after expansion in vitro, and ran-domized into 4 groups. In Groups 1 to 3, chondrocytes were cultured under daily cyclic pressure (0 ～ 200 kPa, 0.1Hz) for 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours respectively; Group 4 was a control in which no pressure was exerted. In each group, after 2 weeks of culture, the tissue engineered cartilages were observed in vitro and assessed by his-tological staining of liE. Next, the content of DNA and the secretion of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG in cartilages were detected quantitatively. Results Under the daily cyclic pressure (0 ～200 kPa, 0.1 Hz), the scaf-fold-chondrocytes complex in the group of 8 hours got the largest volume, smooth, lucidus, and elastic surface, the most queuing chondrocytes, and the highest content of type Ⅱ collagen and GAG (P < 0.01). Conclusions Since chondrecytes are baro-senstive, the metabolism of chondrocytes can be affected by the time of cyclic pressure. Under the effect of 0 ～200 kPa, 0.1Hz, the daily cyclic pressure of 8 hours may be optimal for chondrocytes to multiply and synthesize extracellular matrixes such as type Ⅱ collagen and GAG.     

New β Ti alloy mini-prosthesis with low elastic modulus resurfacing articular surface defect in dogs

Objective To assess the effect of a new β Ti alloy mini-prosthesis with low elastic modulus on resurfacing the full-thickness Surface defect of the knee joint in dogs.Methods A full-thickness osteochondral defect of 7 mm in diameter was created at the medial femoral condyle of both hind limbs in 8 healthy adult dogs.The titanium alloy mini-prostheses with high-modulus of elasticity were implanted on the right side(control group)and those with low-modulus of elasticity on the left side(experiment group)to repair the cartilage defects.After 3 months,all the 8 dogs were sacrificed to harvest the specimens.Radiographic,histologic and micro-CT examinations were conducted to observe stability of the mini-prostheses and growth of the bone and cartilage surrounding the implants. Results Radiographic evaluation revealed no indications of device disassembly or subsidence.Bone trabeculae surrounding anchoring screws in the experiment group was visibly more and denser compared with the control group.Micro-CT data revealed that the bone volume fraction,trabecular thickness,trabecular number and tissue mineral density were 0.389%±0.025%,0.049±0.002 μm,8.9±0.4 mm-1 and 652.7 ±12.6 mg/mm3 respectively in the experiment group,compare with 0.253%±0.024%,0.038±0.002 μm,5.9±0.4 mm-1 and 595.2±7.6 mg/mm3 in the control group,with statistically significant differences between the 2 groups(P<0.05).Cartilage around the cap grew well and the surface remained smooth.Periphery of the resurfacing implant was covered by an extension of the superficial cartilage emanating from the defect margins. Conclusions The new β Ti alloy mini-prosthesis with low elastic modulus is favorable toward resurfacing the articular surface defect.The low-modulus of elasticity can improve new bone formation on the implant-bone interface.     

Growth Differentiation Factor-5 Stimulates the Growth and Anabolic Metabolism of Articular Chondrocytes

Objective： To observe the effect of growth differentiation factor-5 （GDF-5） on the growth and anabolic metabolism of articular chondrocytcs. Methods： The articular chondrocytes isolated from rats were treated with various concentrations of rmGDF-5, and the growth of chondrocytes measured by MTT assay, the cellular cartilage matrices formation detected sulfated glycosaminoglycan by Alcian blue staining and type Ⅱ collagen by RT-PCR, the collagen phenotypic expression of chondrocytes detected by immunofluorescence. Results： After 7 days culture, MTT assay showed that GDF-5 enhanced the growth of chondrocytes in a dose-dependent manner, RT-PCR showed that GDF-5 clearly induced the synthesis of type Ⅱ collagen because of the col2al mRNA band more and more strong in a dose-dependent. Chondrocytes were cultured with GDF-5 for 14 days, the intensity of Alcian blue staining was greatly enhanced, especially, at a high concentration of 1000ng/ml, and GDF-5 enhanced the accumulation of the Alcian blue-stainable material in a concentration-dependent manner and in a does-dependent manner. Chondrocytes were cultured with GDF-5 for 21 days, immunofluorescent staining of type Ⅱ collagen was clear, the type Ⅰ and X collagen were negative. Conclusion： GDF-5 enhanced the growth of mature articular chon- drocytes, and stimulated the cellular cartilage matrices formation, but did not change the collagen phenotypic ex- pression of chondrocytes in mono-layer culture.     

Green fluorescent protein as marker in chondrocytes overexpressing human insulin-like growth factor-l for repair of articular cartilage defects in rabbits

Objective： To label the primary articular chondrocytes overexpressing human insulin-like growth factor （ IdGF-1 ） with green fluorescent protein （GFP） for repair of articular cartilage defects in rabbits. Methods： GFP cDNA was inserted into PeDNA3.1- hlGF-1 to label the expression vector. The recombinnnt vector, pcGI, a mammalian expression vector with multiple cloning sites under two respective cytomegalovirus promoters/enhancers, was transfected into the primary articular chondrocytes with the help of lipofectamine. After the positive cell clones were selected by G418, G418- resistant chondrocytes were cultured in medium for 4 weeks. The stable expression of hlGF-1 in the articular chondrocytes was determined by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemical analysis and the GFP was confirmed under a fluorescence microscope. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） and flow cytometer methods were employed to determine the effect of transfection on proliferation of chondrocytes. Gray value was used to analyze quantitatively the expression of type lI collagen. Results： The expression of hlGF-1 and GFP was confirmed in transfected chondrocytes by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemical analysis and fluorescence microscope observation. Green articular chondrocytes overexpressing hlGF-1 could expand and maintain their chondrogenic phenotypes for more than 4 weeks. After the transfectton of IGF-1, the proliferation of chondrocytes was enhanced and the chondrocytes could effectively maintain the expression of type lI collagen. Conclusions： The hlGF-1 eukaryotic expression vector containing GFP marker gene has been successfully constructed. GFP, which can be visualized in real time and in situ, is stably expressed in articular chondrocytes overexpressing hlGF-1. The labeled articular chondrocytes overexpressing hlGF-1 can be applied in cell-mediated gene therapy as well as for other biomedical purposes of transgenic chondrocytes.     

自体软骨碎屑回植对肋软骨修复再生的影响

Objective To investigate the influence on costal cartilage reparative regeneration by replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage into the perichondrial pocket at the donor-site. Methods 16 rabbits (8-10 weeks old, 1.8-2. 2 kg) were randomly divided into four groups as three experimental groups and one control group. The 1.5 cm in length of costal cartilage defect was made in experimental groups with the perichondrium and costochondral junction left completely intact. The cartilage defect was cloesd by 3 methods as suturation directly, or replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage, or plugging bioprotein jelly after cartilage replanting. Each experimental group was handled with two methods in two sides of costal cartilage. No operation was performed in control group. All the rabbits were sacrificed 16 weeks after operation. The appearance of thoracic cage and new-formed tissue at the defect site were examined grossly. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to evaluate the characteristics of new-formed tissues and biomechanical detection was used to measure intension of new-formed tissues. Results The appearance of thoracic cage was normal in every experimental group. Histological study showed that the defect was filled with abundant fibrous tissue in each group. The chipping of cartilage survived effectively with little proliferation. Biomechanical detection showed that the intension of new-formed tissue in the non replanted group [( 193. 92 ± 41. 41 ) N] was obviously less than that in the replanted group [( 318. 88 ±28. 28)N] ,or bioprotein jelly group[(301. 00 ±39. 52) N] , or control group[(300. 54 ±38. 35) N] (P <0. 01). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between the latter three groups ( P > 0. 05 ) . Conclusions Although replanting the chipping of cartilage can' t promote reparative regeneration of hyaline cartilage, it can definitively strengthen the intensity of new-formed tissue, reinforce thoracic stability. It may also indirectly decrease the incidence rate of postoperative chest wall deformity.     

Experimental study on mechanism of vertebral osteophyte formation

Objective:The purpose of this experimental study was to explore the mechanism of the vertebral osteophyte formation.Methods:An experimental model of cervical spondylosis in rabbits was established by resection of the cervical supraspinous and interspinous ligaments and detachment of the posterior paravertebral muscles from cervical vertebrae.Because of individual difference,The natural development procedure of the vertebral osteophyte formation could be seen with a microscope by dynamic observation.Results:The cartilage end-plate was divided into a growth cartilage layer and an articular cartilage layer.Vertebrae and discs from the 3-month control group rabbits showed normal structure.The changes of cartilage plates from the 3-monthe experimental group and the 8-month control group animals showed proliferation in peripheral articular cartilage.The osteophytes from the 8-monthe experimental group animals could be seen.The osteophyte obviously arised from proliferation,calcification and ossification of the peripheral articular cartilage.Conclusions: The vertebral osteophyte arises from proliferation of peripheral articular cartilage which undergoes cartilaginous osteophyte,and then changes into bony osteophyte through an endochondrqal calcification and ossification.     

自体软骨碎屑回植对肋软骨修复再生的影响

Objective To investigate the influence on costal cartilage reparative regeneration by replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage into the perichondrial pocket at the donor-site. Methods 16 rabbits (8-10 weeks old, 1.8-2. 2 kg) were randomly divided into four groups as three experimental groups and one control group. The 1.5 cm in length of costal cartilage defect was made in experimental groups with the perichondrium and costochondral junction left completely intact. The cartilage defect was cloesd by 3 methods as suturation directly, or replanting the small blocks of autogeneic cartilage, or plugging bioprotein jelly after cartilage replanting. Each experimental group was handled with two methods in two sides of costal cartilage. No operation was performed in control group. All the rabbits were sacrificed 16 weeks after operation. The appearance of thoracic cage and new-formed tissue at the defect site were examined grossly. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to evaluate the characteristics of new-formed tissues and biomechanical detection was used to measure intension of new-formed tissues. Results The appearance of thoracic cage was normal in every experimental group. Histological study showed that the defect was filled with abundant fibrous tissue in each group. The chipping of cartilage survived effectively with little proliferation. Biomechanical detection showed that the intension of new-formed tissue in the non replanted group [( 193. 92 ± 41. 41 ) N] was obviously less than that in the replanted group [( 318. 88 ±28. 28)N] ,or bioprotein jelly group[(301. 00 ±39. 52) N] , or control group[(300. 54 ±38. 35) N] (P <0. 01). Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between the latter three groups ( P > 0. 05 ) . Conclusions Although replanting the chipping of cartilage can' t promote reparative regeneration of hyaline cartilage, it can definitively strengthen the intensity of new-formed tissue, reinforce thoracic stability. It may also indirectly decrease the incidence rate of postoperative chest wall deformity.