[Transforming growth factor-beta can induce differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes into osteoblast-like cells in epiphyseal plate].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes in epiphyseal plate in order to understand its role in the mechanism of bone and cartilage formation.


METHODS
We observed the effect of TGF-beta in varied time and dosage on the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes in embryonic chick femora which were cultured in serum-free medium, using histochemical staining to detect the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin.


RESULTS
TGF-beta enabled the chondrocytes to express type I collagen and fibronectin, and it enhanced the expression of ALP in hypertrophic zone. Time-effect and dosage-effect relationships were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-beta can induce the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes into osteoblast-like cells in epiphyseal plate of embryonic chick femora. The inducing effect might be closely related to time and dosage of TGF-beta.
Wang
F
F
Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, WCUMS, Chengdu 610041, China.
Zhang
B
B
Yang
H
H
Li
A
A
Li
R
R
Zhou
D
D
D000818:Animals; D001846:Bone Development; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002642:Chick Embryo; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D005269:Femur / Q000166:cytology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000166:cytology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta