In this experimental set-up in a bovine ex vivo model we were able to show persistent regional differences between chondrocytes of eight weight-bearing and non weight-bearing locations within the knee joint in dedifferentiating monolayer culture, as well as in redifferentiating 3-D culture with and without mechanical stimulation, on an intracellular level, biochemically as well as microscopically. This means that natural site specificity of articular cartilage chondrocytes may be partially retained or regained. It also raises the question whether chondrocytes from a non weight-bearing area can meet the needs of mechanically loaded defect sites, as in the autologous chondrocyte implantation.
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In this experimental set-up in a bovine ex vivo model we were able to show persistent regional differences between chondrocytes of eight weight-bearing and non weight-bearing locations within the knee joint in dedifferentiating monolayer culture, as well as in redifferentiating 3-D culture with and without mechanical stimulation, on an intracellular level, biochemically as well as microscopically. This means that natural site specificity of articular cartilage chondrocytes may be partially retai...
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