Human articular surface chondrocytes initiate alkaline phosphatase and type X collagen synthesis in suspension culture.
The type X collagen is a short chain collagen associated with calcific cartilage and/or the expression of the hypertrophic chondrocyte phenotype. In articular cartilage, type X collagen is restricted to the basal zone of calcified cartilage adjacent to the subchondral bone. However, during pathological change such as in osteoarthritis, the synthesis of type X collagen becomes more widespread but never extends to the articular surface. Using immunocytochemistry and fluorography of newly synthesised collagens, we report that surface articular chondrocytes (which occupy the uppermost 10-15% of the tissue depth) from normal human cartilage initiate de novo synthesis of both type X collagen and alkaline phosphatase when maintained in suspension culture.
Stephens
M
M
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Institute of Orthopaedics (University College and Middlesex School of Medicine), Stanmore, UK.
Kwan
A P
AP
Bayliss
M T
MT
Archer
C W
CW
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000166:cytology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D046508:Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D013045:Species Specificity
D003094:Collagen; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase