In vitro models of calcium crystal formation.
OBJECTIVE
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals are common components of synovial fluids from degenerated joints and often accompany unusually severe cartilage destruction. Progress in understanding why and how calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals form in articular cartilage has been hampered by the scarcity of good models in which to study this phenomenon.


RESULTS
In this review, the author discusses various models of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal formation from early work with solutions and gels to more recent models using cells, tissues, and cell fractions. Each of these systems has advantages and disadvantages.


CONCLUSIONS
Current models of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal formation are less than ideal for studying the major factors involved in calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal formation. Borrowing from the transplantation literature, solid matrices that support cell growth and allow for easy manipulation of matrix components hold some promise for better models in the future.
Gohr
Claudia
C
Division of Rheumatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. cgohr@mcw.edu
D000818:Animals; D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate / Q000378:metabolism*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003460:Crystallization; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques
D002131:Calcium Pyrophosphate