Regulation of proteoglycan synthesis rate in cartilage in vitro: influence of extracellular ionic composition

The TLR-2/TonEBP signaling pathway regulates 29-kDa fibronectin fragment-dependent expression of matrix metalloproteinases

Tonicity-responsive enhancer-binding protein (TonEBP; nuclear factor of activated T cells 5) is a transcription factor that responds to changes in osmolality. However, recent studies have shown that it also modulates immune responses under inflammatory conditions independently of hyperosmolality. Fibronectin fragments (FN-fs), which are abundant in the synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), induce expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) via the toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) signaling pathway. In this study we examined whether TonEBP is involved in 29-kDa FN-f-induced expression of MMPs. The expression of TonEBP was significantly higher in human osteoarthritis compared with normal cartilage samples. 29-kDa FN-f affected the expression of MMPs 1, 3, and 13 via TonEBP, and expression and nuclear accumulation of TonEBP were induced by activation of the phospholipase C/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway and, in particular, modulated by TLR-2. In addition, 29-kDa FN-f induced the expression of osmoregulatory genes, including Tau-T, SMIT, and AR, as well as voltage-dependent calcium channels via the TonEBP/TLR-2 signaling pathway. These results show that 29-kDa FN-f upregulates MMPs in chondrocytes via the TLR-2/TonEBP signaling pathway.

Mechanical loading regulates human MSC differentiation in a multi-layer hydrogel for osteochondral tissue engineering

A bioinspired multi-layer hydrogel was developed for the encapsulation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) as a platform for osteochondral tissue engineering. The spatial presentation of biochemical cues, via incorporation of extracellular matrix analogs, and mechanical cues, via both hydrogel crosslink density and externally applied mechanical loads, were characterized in each layer. A simple sequential photopolymerization method was employed to form stable poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels with a soft cartilage-like layer of chondroitin sulfate and low RGD concentrations, a stiff bone-like layer with high RGD concentrations, and an intermediate interfacial layer. Under a compressive load, the variation in hydrogel stiffness within each layer produced high strains in the soft cartilage-like layer, low strains in the stiff bone-like layer, and moderate strains in the interfacial layer. When hMSC-laden hydrogels were cultured statically in osteochondral differentiation media, the local biochemical and matrix stiffness cues were not sufficient to spatially guide hMSC differentiation after 21 days. However dynamic mechanical stimulation led to differentially high expression of collagens with collagen II in the cartilage-like layer, collagen X in the interfacial layer and collagen I in the bone-like layer and mineral deposits localized to the bone layer. Overall, these findings point to external mechanical stimulation as a potent regulator of hMSC differentiation toward osteochondral cellular phenotypes.

Extracellular osmolarity regulates matrix homeostasis in the intervertebral disc and articular cartilage: evolving role of TonEBP

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc is characterized by changes in proteoglycan status, loss of bound water molecules, decreased tissue osmotic pressure and a resulting mechanical failure of the disc. A similar spectrum of changes is evident in osteoarthritic articular cartilage. When healthy, resident cells in these skeletal tissues respond to applied mechanical loads by regulating their own osmotic state and the hydration of the extracellular matrix. The transcription factor Tonicity-Responsive Enhancer Binding Protein (TonEBP or NFAT5) is known to mediate the osmoadaptive response in these and other tissues. While the molecular basis of how osmotic loading controls matrix homeostasis is not completely understood, TonEBP regulates the expression of aggrecan and β1,3-glucoronosyltransferase in nucleus pulposus cells, in addition to targets that allow for survival under hypertonic stress. Moreover, in chondrocytes, TonEBP controls expression of several collagen subtypes and Sox9, a master regulator of aggrecan and collagen II expression. Thus, TonEBP-mediated regulation of the matrix composition allows disc cells and chondrocytes to modify the extracellular osmotic state itself. On the other hand, TonEBP in immune cells induces expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1, pro-inflammatory molecules closely linked to matrix catabolism and pathogenesis of both disc degeneration and osteoarthritis, warranting investigations of this aspect of TonEBP function in skeletal cells. In summary, the TonEBP system, through its effects on extracellular matrix and osmoregulatory genes can be viewed primarily as a protective or homeostatic response to physiological loading.

Osmotic challenge drives rapid and reversible chromatin condensation in chondrocytes

Changes in extracellular osmolality have been shown to alter gene expression patterns and metabolic activity of various cell types, including chondrocytes. However, mechanisms by which physiological or pathological changes in osmolality impact chondrocyte function remain unclear. Here we use quantitative image analysis, electron microscopy, and a DNase I assay to show that hyperosmotic conditions (>400 mOsm/kg) induce chromatin condensation, while hypoosmotic conditions (100 mOsm/kg) cause decondensation. Large density changes (p < 0.001) occur over a very narrow range of physiological osmolalities, which suggests that chondrocytes likely experience chromatin condensation and decondensation during a daily loading cycle. The effect of changes in osmolality on nuclear morphology (p < 0.01) and chromatin condensation (p < 0.001) also differed between chondrocytes in monolayer culture and three-dimensional agarose, suggesting a role for cell adhesion. The relationship between condensation and osmolality was accurately modeled by a polymer gel model which, along with the rapid nature of the chromatin condensation (<20 s), reveals the basic physicochemical nature of the process. Alterations in chromatin structure are expected to influence gene expression and thereby regulate chondrocyte activity in response to osmotic changes.

Superficial collagen fibril modulus and pericellular fixed charge density modulate chondrocyte volumetric behaviour in early osteoarthritis

The aim of this study was to investigate if the experimentally detected altered chondrocyte volumetric behavior in early osteoarthritis can be explained by changes in the extracellular and pericellular matrix properties of cartilage. Based on our own experimental tests and the literature, the structural and mechanical parameters for normal and osteoarthritic cartilage were implemented into a multiscale fibril-reinforced poroelastic swelling model. Model simulations were compared with experimentally observed cell volume changes in mechanically loaded cartilage, obtained from anterior cruciate ligament transected rabbit knees. We found that the cell volume increased by 7% in the osteoarthritic cartilage model following mechanical loading of the tissue. In contrast, the cell volume decreased by 4% in normal cartilage model. These findings were consistent with the experimental results. Increased local transversal tissue strain due to the reduced collagen fibril stiffness accompanied with the reduced fixed charge density of the pericellular matrix could increase the cell volume up to 12%. These findings suggest that the increase in the cell volume in mechanically loaded osteoarthritic cartilage is primarily explained by the reduction in the pericellular fixed charge density, while the superficial collagen fibril stiffness is suggested to contribute secondarily to the cell volume behavior.

Body fluid dynamics: back to the future

Pioneering investigations conducted over a half century ago on tonicity, transcapillary fluid exchange, and the distribution of water and solute serve as a foundation for understanding the physiology of body fluid spaces. With passage of time, however, some of these concepts have lost their connectivity to more contemporary information. Here we examine the physical forces determining the compartmentalization of body fluid and its movement across capillary and cell membrane barriers, drawing particular attention to the interstitium operating as a dynamic interface for water and solute distribution rather than as a static reservoir. Newer work now supports an evolving model of body fluid dynamics that integrates exchangeable Na(+) stores and transcapillary dynamics with advances in interstitial matrix biology.

Post-transcriptional gene regulation following exposure of osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes to hyperosmotic conditions

OBJECTIVE

Osmolarity is a major biophysical regulator of chondrocyte function. Modulation of chondrocytic marker gene expression occurs at the post-transcriptional level following exposure of human articular chondrocytes (HAC) to hyperosmotic conditions. This study aims to further characterise the post-transcriptional response of HAC to hyperosmolarity.

METHODS

Gene expression and microRNA (miRNA) levels in freshly isolated HAC after 5h under control or hyperosmotic conditions were measured using microarrays. Regulated genes were checked for the presence of AU rich elements (AREs) in their 3' untranslated regions (3'UTR), whilst gene ontology was examined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). RNA decay rates of candidate ARE-containing genes were determined in HAC using actinomycin D chase experiments and the involvement of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathways were investigated using pharmacological inhibitors.

RESULTS

Hyperosmolarity led to the regulation of a wide variety of genes. IPA identified enrichment of genes involved with cell stress responses, cell signalling and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signalling. Importantly, upregulated genes were over-represented with those containing AREs, and RNA decay analysis demonstrated that many of these were regulated post-transcriptionally by hyperosmolarity in HAC. Analysis of miRNA levels in HAC indicated that they are only modestly regulated by hyperosmotic conditions, whilst inhibitor studies showed that p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 were able to block hyperosmotic induction of many of these genes.

CONCLUSION

Through microarray and bioinformatics analysis we have identified genes which are post-transcriptionally regulated in HAC following exposure to hyperosmotic conditions. These genes have a range of functions, and their regulation involves transduction through the p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways. Interestingly, our results suggest that miRNA regulation is not key to the process. Overall, this work illustrates the range of processes regulated in chondrocytes by changes in their osmotic environment, and underlines the importance of post-transcriptional mRNA regulation to chondrocyte function.

Application of high throughput perfusion micro 3-D cell culture platform for the precise study of cellular responses to extracellular conditions -effect of serum concentrations on the physiology of articular chondrocytes

Mammalian cells are sensitive to extracellular microenvironments. In order to faithfully explore the physiological responses of cells to extracellular conditions, a steady, homogenous, and three-dimensional (3-D) culture environment is required because it can provide a more quantifiable and biologically-relevant culture condition. To achieve this, this study reports a perfusion micro cell culture platform encompassing 22 microbioreactor units for high throughput 3-D cell culture. The cell culture platform structurally consisting of a plug and a microbioreactor chamber module was simply fabricated by replica molding of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer. The platform features in the proposed plug module with multiple molds incorporated, facilitating the preparation of cell encapsulated 3-D hydrogel constructs in a precise and efficient manner. This trait is found particularly useful for high-precision and high-throughput micro 3-D cell culture-based assay. In this study, the real value of the proposed platform to maintain a stable and homogenous culture condition was discussed. Besides, the application of the presented platform for precisely investigating the effect of serum concentration on the metabolic activities and biosynthetic abilities of articular chondrocytes was also demonstrated. As a whole, the proposed device has paved an alternative route to carry out high throughput micro-scale 3-D perfusion cell culture in a simple, cost-effective and precise manner. The promising applications include 3-D cell culture-based high throughput drug or toxicity testing/screening, or other investigations on the cell biology, where the precise quantification of the links between the cellular responses and extracellular conditions is required.

Regulation of SOX9 in normal and osteoarthritic equine articular chondrocytes by hyperosmotic loading

OBJECTIVES

SOX9 is a transcription factor that is essential for cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterised by a loss of cartilage ECM. In chondrocytes SOX9 gene expression is regulated by osmotic loading. Here we characterise SOX9 mRNA regulation through static and cyclical application of hyperosmotic conditions in normal and OA monolayer equine chondrocytes. Furthermore, we investigate whether extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathways have a role in this regulation of SOX9.

METHODS

Equine chondrocytes harvested from normal or OA joints were subjected to different osmotic loading patterns as either primary (P0) or passaged (P2) cells. The involvement of MEK-ERK signalling was demonstrated by using pharmacological inhibitors. In addition SOX9 gene stability was determined. Levels of transcripts encoding SOX9, Col2A1 and aggrecan were measured using qRT-PCR. De novo glycosaminoglycan synthesis of explants was determined with (35)S sulphate during static hyperosmolar loading.

RESULTS

MEK-ERK signalling increases glycosaminoglycans (GAG) synthesis in explants. Static hyperosmotic conditions significantly reduced SOX9 mRNA in normal P2 and OA P0 but not normal P0 chondrocytes. SOX9 mRNA was stabilised by hyperosmotic conditions. Cyclical loading of normal P2 and OA P0 but not normal P0 cells led to an increase in SOX9 gene expression and this was prevented by MEK1/2 inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

The response to osmotic loading of SOX9 mRNA is dependent on the nature of the osmotic stimulation and the chondrocyte phenotype. This variation may be important in disease progression.

Hyperosmolarity regulates SOX9 mRNA posttranscriptionally in human articular chondrocytes

The transcription factor SOX9 regulates cartilage extracellular matrix gene expression and is essential for chondrocyte differentiation. We previously showed that activation of p38 MAPK by cycloheximide in human chondrocytes leads to stabilization of SOX9 mRNA (Tew SR and Hardingham TE. J Biol Chem 281: 39471–39479, 2006). In this study we investigated whether regulation of p38 MAPK caused by changes in osmotic pressure could control SOX9 mRNA levels expression by a similar mechanism. Primary human articular chondrocytes isolated from osteoarthritic cartilage at passage 2-4 showed significantly raised SOX9 mRNA levels when exposed to hyperosmotic conditions for 5 h. The effect was strongest and most reproducible when actin stress fibers were disrupted by the Rho effector kinase inhibitor Y27632, or by culturing the cells within alginate beads. Freshly isolated chondrocytes, used within 24–48 h of isolation, did not contain actin stress fibers and upregulated SOX9 mRNA in response to hyperosmolarity in the presence and absence of Y27632. In these freshly isolated chondrocytes, hyperosmolarity led to an increase in the half-life of SOX9 mRNA, which was sensitive to the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190. SOX9 protein levels were increased by hyperosmotic culture over 24 h, and, in passaged chondrocytes, the activity of a COL2A1 enhancer driven luciferase assay was upregulated. However, in freshly isolated chondrocytes, COL2A1 mRNA levels were reduced by hyperosmotic conditions and the half-life was decreased. The results showed that the osmotic environment regulated both SOX9 and COL2A1 mRNA posttranscriptionally, but in fresh cells resulted in increased SOX9, but decreased COL2A1.

Regulatory volume increase (RVI) by in situ and isolated bovine articular chondrocytes

Metabolism of the matrix by chondrocytes is sensitive to alterations in cell volume that occur, for example, during static loading and osteoarthritis. The ability of chondrocytes to respond to changes in volume could be important, and this study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that chondrocytes can regulate their volume following cell shrinking by regulatory volume increase (RVI). We used single cell fluorescence imaging of in situ bovine articular chondrocytes, cells freshly isolated into 280 or 380 mOsm, or 2-D cultured chondrocytes loaded with calcein or fura-2, to investigate RVI and changes to [Ca2+]i during shrinkage. Following a 42% hyperosmotic challenge, chondrocytes rapidly shrunk, however, only approximately 6% of the in situ or freshly isolated chondrocytes demonstrated RVI. This contrasted with 2D-cultured chondrocytes where approximately 54% of the cells exhibited RVI. The rate of RVI was the same for all preparations. During the 'post-RVD/RVI protocol', approximately 60% of the in situ and freshly isolated chondrocytes demonstrated RVD, but only approximately 5% showed RVI. There was no relationship between [Ca2+]i and RVI either during hyperosmotic challenge, or during RVD suggesting that changes to [Ca2+]i were not required for RVI. Depolymerisation of the actin cytoskeleton by latrunculin, increased RVI by freshly isolated chondrocytes, in a bumetanide-sensitive manner. The results showed that in situ and freshly isolated articular chondrocytes have only limited RVI capacity. However, RVI was stimulated by treating freshly isolated chondrocytes with latrunculin B and following 2D culture of chondrocytes, suggesting that cytoskeletal integrity plays a role in regulating RVI activity which appears to be mediated principally by the Na+ - K+ -2Cl- cotransporter.

Long-term maintenance of human articular cartilage in culture for biomaterial testing

Cartilage is a tissue that derives its unique mechanical and biological properties from the combination of relatively few cells and a large amount of a complex extracellular matrix. Furthermore, cartilage tissue is comparatively slow to respond to changes or harmful influences. To date, the optimal generation and long-term maintenance of cultured human articular cartilage for in vitro testing of biomaterials, poses an experimental difficulty. Experiments using cultured isolated chondrocytes in combination with scaffolds often fail to yield results comparable to the in-vivo situation. Consequently, our aim was to develop a culture method that allows in vitro maintenance of human hyaline cartilage explants in an optimal quality over an extended period of time. Such a culture could, for example, be used to determine the long-term effect of a new scaffold on intact cartilage, as an in vitro model for repair processes and to investigate biomaterial integration. In this study we compared conventional static cultures with and without serum supplementation to a serum-free perfusion culture for the ability to maintain human articular cartilage explants in a morphologically intact and differentiated state over an extended period of time of up to 56 days. Results were evaluated and compared by morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. The experiments showed that short-term maintenance of cartilage in a differentiated state for up to 14 days is possible under all culture conditions tested. However, best long-term culture results for up to 56 days were obtained with perfusion culture under serum-free conditions. Such a perfusion culture system can be used to perform biocompatabilty tests in vitro by long-term coculture of biomaterial and intact human articular cartilage.

Passive osmotic properties of in situ human articular chondrocytes within non-degenerate and degenerate cartilage

Osteoarthritis is characterized by many factors, including proteoglycan loss, decreased collagen stiffness, and increased cartilage hydration. Chondrocyte swelling also occurs, and correlates with the degree of osteoarthritis, however, the cause is unknown but might be related to alterations to their passive osmotic properties. We have used two-photon confocal laser scanning microscopy to measure the passive osmotic characteristics of in situ chondrocytes within relatively non-degenerate and degenerate human tibial plateau cartilage, and in chondrocytes isolated from relatively non-degenerate cartilage. Explants with bone attached were taken from a total of 42 patients undergoing arthroplasty and graded macroscopically and microscopically into two groups, grade 0 + 1 and grade 2 + 3. There was a significant increase in cartilage hydration between these two groups (P < 0.05), however, there was no change when medium osmolarity was varied over approximately 0-480 mOsm. The passive osmotic behavior of in situ chondrocytes (at 4 degrees C) was identical over a range of culture medium osmolarities ( approximately 0-515 mOsm), however, the maximum swelling of cells within degenerate cartilage and isolated chondrocytes was greater compared to those in non-degenerate cartilage. The swelling in the majority of in situ chondrocytes was accounted for by the reduced interstitial osmolarity occurring with cartilage degeneration. There was, however, a small population of in situ chondrocytes whose volume was in excess (>/=2,500 microm(3)) of that predicted from the decreased interstitial osmotic pressure. These results show that for the majority of cells studied, the differences in passive chondrocyte volume between relatively non-degenerate, degenerate, and isolated cells were entirely accounted for by changes to the extracellular osmolarity (180-515 mOsm).

The biomechanical role of the chondrocyte pericellular matrix in articular cartilage

The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage. Previous parametric studies of cell-matrix interactions suggest that the mechanical properties of the PCM relative to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can significantly affect the micromechanical environment of the chondrocyte. The goal of this study was to use recently quantified mechanical properties of the PCM in a biphasic finite element model of the cell-PCM-ECM structure to determine the potential influence of the PCM on the mechanical environment of the chondrocyte under normal and osteoarthritic conditions. Our findings suggest that the mismatch between the Young's moduli of PCM and ECM amplifies chondrocyte compressive strains and exhibits a significant stress shielding effect in a zone-dependent manner. Furthermore, the lower permeability of PCM relative to the ECM inhibits fluid flux near the cell by a factor of 30, and thus may have a significant effect on convective transport to and from the chondrocyte. Osteoarthritic changes in the PCM and ECM properties significantly altered the mechanical environment of the chondrocyte, leading to approximately 66% higher compressive strains and higher fluid flux near the cell. These findings provide further support for a potential biomechanical role for the chondrocyte PCM, and suggest that changes in the properties of the PCM with osteoarthritis may alter the stress-strain and fluid flow environment of the chondrocytes.

Chondrocyte mechanotransduction: effects of compression on deformation of intracellular organelles and relevance to cellular biosynthesis

OBJECTIVE

The effects of mechanical deformation of intact cartilage tissue on chondrocyte biosynthesis in situ have been well documented, but the mechanotransduction pathways that regulate such phenomena have not been elucidated completely. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of tissue deformation on the morphology of a range of intracellular organelles which play a major role in cell biosynthesis and metabolism.

DESIGN

Using chemical fixation, high pressure freezing, and electron microscopy, we imaged chondrocytes within mechanically compressed cartilage explants at high magnification and quantitatively and qualitatively assessed changes in organelle volume and shape caused by graded levels of loading.

RESULTS

Compression of the tissue caused a concomitant reduction in the volume of the extracellular matrix (ECM), chondrocyte, nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. Interestingly, however, the Golgi apparatus was able to resist loss of intraorganelle water and retain a portion of its volume relative to the remainder of the cell. These combined results suggest that a balance between intracellular mechanical and osmotic gradients govern the changes in shape and volume of the organelles as the tissue is compressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results lead to the interpretive hypothesis that organelle volume changes appear to be driven mainly by osmotic interactions while shape changes are mediated by structural factors, such as cytoskeletal interactions that may be linked to extracellular matrix deformations. The observed volume and shape changes of the chondrocyte organelles and the differential behavior between organelles during tissue compression provide evidence for an important mechanotransduction pathway linking translational and post-translational events (e.g., elongation and sulfation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the Golgi) to cell deformation.

Effects of cell swelling on intracellular calcium and membrane currents in bovine articular chondrocytes

Chondrocytes experience a dynamic extracellular osmotic environment during normal joint loading when fluid is forced from the matrix, increasing the local proteoglycan concentration and therefore the ionic strength and osmolarity. To exist in such a challenging environment, chondrocytes must possess mechanisms by which cell volume can be regulated. In this study, we investigated the ability of bovine articular chondrocytes (BAC) to regulate cell volume during a hypo-osmotic challenge. We also examined the effect of hypo-osmotic stress on early signaling events including [Ca2+](i) and membrane currents. Changes in cell volume were measured by monitoring the fluorescence of calcein-loaded cells. [Ca2+](i) was quantified using fura-2, and membrane currents were recorded using patch clamp. BAC exhibited regulated volume decrease (RVD) when exposed to hypo-osmotic saline which was inhibited by Gd3+. Swelling stimulated [Ca2+](i) transients in BAC which were dependent on swelling magnitude. Gd3+, zero [Ca2+](o), and thapsigargin all attenuated the [Ca2+](i) response, suggesting roles for Ca2+ influx through stretch activated channels, and Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Inward and outward membrane currents significantly increased during cell swelling and were inhibited by Gd3+. These results indicate that RVD in BAC may involve [Ca2+](i) and ion channel activation, both of which play pivotal roles in RVD in other cell types. These signaling pathways are also similar to those activated in chondrocytes subjected to other biophysical signals. It is possible, then, that these signaling events may also be involved in a mechanism by which mechanical loads are transduced into appropriate cellular responses by chondrocytes.

The effects of immobilization on the characteristics of articular cartilage: current concepts and future directions

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to review current data and concepts concerning the effect of immobilization on articular cartilage in animal models. We also evaluate the methods to measure articular cartilage changes in humans.

METHODS

Studies looking at the effects of immobilization on morphological, biochemical, and biomechanical characteristics of articular cartilage are reviewed.

RESULTS

Articular cartilage changes in immobilized animals include altered proteoglycan synthesis, as well as thinning and softening of the tissue. The overall thickness of articular cartilage in the knee decreases up to 9% after 11 weeks of immobilization and the deformation rate under test load increases up to 42%. Quantitative data about changes in human articular cartilage following immobilization are not available. This is mainly due to the lack of an accurate, reproducible, and non-invasive method to characterize articular cartilage.

DISCUSSION

An understanding of the alterations in articular cartilage following short and long term immobilization in humans is essential for the optimization of rehabilitation programs. Refined imaging techniques combined with state-of-the-art visualization tools could allow the systematical monitoring of articular cartilage morphology changes in immobilized humans.

The influence of the pericellular microenvironment on the chondrocyte response to osmotic challenge

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether differences in the pericellular microenvironment of different chondron preparations influence the chondrocyte volume regulatory response to experimental osmotic challenge.

DESIGN

Mechanically extracted chondrons (MC), enzymatically extracted chondrons (EC) and isolated chondrocytes (IC) were seeded into agarose and sampled at 1, 3 and 7 days. Samples mounted in a perfusion chamber were subjected to osmotic challenge. The cross-sectional areas of the chondrocyte and pericellular microenvironment were measured under isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic conditions, and percentage change calculated. Separate samples were immunolabeled for type VI collagen and keratan sulfate.

RESULTS

Initially, the microenvironment of MC represented 60% of the chondron area and was occupied by type VI collagen and keratan sulfate. In EC, the microenvironment comprised 18% of the chondron area with narrow bands of type VI collagen and keratan sulfate. IC had no visible microenvironment, with small amounts of type VI collagen and keratan sulfate present. All preparations sequestered additional pericellular macromolecules during culture. Under isotonic conditions, the EC and IC chondrocytes were larger than those of MC. All chondrocytes shrank under hypertonic conditions and swelled under hypotonic conditions. MC were the least responsive, displaying the most efficient volume regulation. IC showed the largest response initially but this decreased with time. EC exhibited intermediate responses that decreased as the microenvironment increased in size.

CONCLUSIONS

The composition and structural integrity of the pericellular microenvironment do influence the cellular response to experimental osmotic challenge. This suggests that the microenvironment functions in situ to mediate the chondrocyte response to physicochemical changes associated with joint loading.

Mechanical compression alters gene expression and extracellular matrix synthesis by chondrocytes cultured in collagen I gels

Articular cartilage responds to its mechanical environment through altered cell metabolism and matrix synthesis. In this study, isolated articular chondrocytes were cultured in collagen type I gels and exposed to uniaxial static compression of 0%, 25%, or 50% of original thickness for 0.5, 4, and 24 h, and to oscillatory (25 +/- 4%, 1 Hz) compression for 24 h. The cellular response was assessed through competitive and real-time RT-PCR to quantify expression of genes for collagen type I, collagen type II, and aggrecan core protein, and through radiolabelled proline and sulfate incorporation to quantify protein and proteoglycan synthesis rates. Static compression for 24 h inhibited expression of collagen I and II mRNAs and inhibited 3H-proline and 35S-sulfate incorporation. The mRNA expression exhibited transient fluctuations at intermediate time points. Oscillatory compression had no effect upon mRNA expression, and 24 h after release from static compression, there was no difference in collagen II or aggrecan mRNA, while there was an inhibition of collagen I. We conclude that the chondrocytes maintained some aspects of their ability to sense and respond to static compression, despite a biochemical and mechanical environment which is different from that in tissue. This suggests that mechanical stimuli may be useful in modulating chondrocyte metabolism in tissue engineering systems using fibrillar protein scaffolds.

Time-dependent aggrecan gene expression of articular chondrocytes in response to hyperosmotic loading

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of increasing extracellular osmolality on aggrecan gene expression and cell size in cultured chondrocytes.

DESIGN

Aggrecan promoter activity and mRNA levels were measured in bovine monolayer chondrocytes subjected to hyperosmotic loading for different time periods, using transient transfection assays or RT-PCR. Cell size changes were also determined using an epifluorescence microscopy system.

RESULTS

Hyperosmotic loading for 24 h suppressed aggrecan promoter activity and mRNA levels approximately two-fold. However no suppression of promoter activity was observed when exon 1 was deleted from the human aggrecan promoter construct. Osmotic regulation of aggrecan gene expression was time-dependent and found to correlate with cell shrinking and swelling. No suppression in promoter activity was observed when the hyperosmotic stimulus was applied in a cyclic manner, or when serum was present in the culture medium.

CONCLUSION

Hyperosmotic loading regulates aggrecan gene expression and cell size in isolated chondrocytes. Osmotic regulation of gene expression is also affected by the time-varying nature of loading and the presence of serum.

Strontium ranelate increases cartilage matrix formation

Based on previous studies showing that strontium ranelate (S12911) modulates bone loss in osteoporosis, it could be hypothesized that this drug also is effective on cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). This was investigated in vitro on normal and OA human chondrocytes treated or not treated with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). This model mimics, in vitro, the imbalance between chondroformation and chondroresorption processes observed in vivo in OA cartilage. Chondrocytes were isolated from cartilage by enzymatic digestion and cultured for 24-72 h with 10(-4)-10(-3) M strontium ranelate, 10(-3) M calcium ranelate, or 2 x 10(-3) M SrCl2 with or without IL-1beta or insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Stromelysin activity and stromelysin quantitation were assayed by spectrofluorometry and enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (EASIA), respectively. Proteoglycans (PG) were quantified using a radioimmunoassay. Newly synthesized glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were quantified by labeled sulfate (Na2(35)SO4) incorporation. This method allowed the PG size after exclusion chromatography to be determined. Strontium ranelate, calcium ranelate, and SrCl2 did not modify stromelysin synthesis even in the presence of IL-1beta. Calcium ranelate induced stromelysin activation whereas strontium compounds were ineffective. Strontium ranelate and SrCl2 both strongly stimulated PG production suggesting an ionic effect of strontium independent of the organic moiety. Moreover, 10(-3) M strontium ranelate increased the stimulatory effect of IGF-I (10(-9) M) on PG synthesis but did not reverse the inhibitory effect of IL-1beta. Strontium ranelate strongly stimulates human cartilage matrix formation in vitro by a direct ionic effect without stimulating the chondroresorption processes. This finding provides a preclinical basis for in vivo testing of strontium ranelate in OA.

Mature full-thickness articular cartilage explants attached to bone are physiologically stable over long-term culture in serum-free media

Mature tissue explants containing the entire depth of articular cartilage, calcified and uncalcified, attached to a thin layer of subchondral bone were isolated from bovine humeral heads of 1-2-year-old steers. These explants were placed in defined serum-free culture medium for a period of 3 weeks to investigate their biological and mechanical stability and thus to determine their potential utility in studies of cartilage physiology. Tissue mass remained constant over the culture period and no evident tissue swelling or distortion was observed. Chondrocytes were viable in all zones at the time of tissue isolation and throughout the culture period, with the exception of a thin layer of cells at the articular surface and the cut radial edge of the disks. Proteoglycan metabolism attained a steady state after 5 days of culture when the rate of loss of proteoglycan to culture media was compensated by new synthesis to maintain a stable proteoglycan content. Collagen metabolism was also stable with a constant content of type II collagen and a constant content of denatured collagen II throughout culture; the content of the C-propeptide of type II procollagen as a measure of procollagen synthesis, dropped slightly during the first week to attain a steady state after that time. Dynamic and equilibrium mechanical properties of these explant disks were also stable confirming maintenance of these tissue properties during long-term culture. In addition, the disk geometry of the system, with the cut surface in the bone parallel to the intact articular surface, is well-suited to study tissue regulation by mechanical load. Taken together, the stability of these indicators of tissue physiology indicates the maintenance in serum-free conditions of normal metabolism for organ cultures containing full-depth mature articular cartilage attached to bone.

Stimulation of aggrecan synthesis in cartilage explants by cyclic loading is localized to regions of high interstitial fluid flow

Chondrogenesis in cartilage development and repair and cartilage degeneration in arthritis can be regulated by mechanical-load-induced physical factors such as tissue deformation, interstitial fluid flow and pressure, and electrical fields or streaming potentials. Previous animal and tissue explant studies have shown that time-varying dynamic tissue loading can increase the synthesis and deposition of matrix molecules in an amplitude-, frequency-, and spatially dependent manner. To provide information on the cell-level physical factors which may stimulate chondrocytes to increase production and export of aggrecan, the main proteoglycan component of the cartilage matrix, we characterized local changes in aggrecan synthesis within cyclically loaded tissue explant disks and compared those changes to values of predicted local physical factors. Aggrecan synthesis following a 23-h compression/radiolabel protocol was measured with a spatial resolution of approximately 0.1 mm across the 1.5-mm radius of explanted disks using a quantitative autoradiography method. A uniform stimulation of aggrecan synthesis was observed at an intermediate frequency of 0.01 Hz, while, at a higher frequency of 0.1 Hz, stimulation was only seen at peripheral radial positions. Profiles of radial solid matrix deformation and interstitial fluid pressure and velocity predicted to be occurring across the radius of the disk during sinusoidal loading were estimated using a composite poroelastic model. Tissue regions experiencing high interstitial fluid velocities corresponded to those displaying increased aggrecan synthesis. These results reinforce the role of load-induced flow of interstitial fluid in the stimulation of aggrecan production during dynamic loading of cartilage.

Effect of static compression on proteoglycan biosynthesis by chondrocytes transplanted to articular cartilage in vitro

Transplantation of chondrocytes by injection or within carrier matrices has shown promise for augmenting the repair of articular cartilage defects. In vivo, transplanted chondrocytes are exposed to mechanical forces. This in vitro study examined the effect of a step application of compressive load to chondrocytes after the cells had been seeded onto a cartilage surface. Bovine chondrocytes were transplanted onto bovine cartilage disks, allowed to attach for 1 hour or 4 days, and subjected to compression through overlying cartilage disks in a confined compression configuration. Before use, the disks were lyophilized to lyse the endogenous chondrocytes and thereby allow assessment of the metabolic activity of the transplanted cells. During a 16-hour application of compressive stress of 0.24-0.72 MPa, proteoglycan synthesis, assessed as [35S]sulfate incorporation into macromolecules, was inhibited by approximately 68% after the 1-hour attachment and by approximately 45% after the 4-day attachment. Cell retention after the application of load was assessed by use of [3H]thymidine-tagged chondrocytes and quantitation of the displacement of radioactivity. After the 1-hour seeding period, loading induced a dose-dependent dislodgment of [3H]radioactivity (as much as 35%) from the tissue bilayer. In contrast, after the 4-day seeding period, there was no detectable effect of loading on chondrocyte dislodgment with an 8-12% release of radioactivity. The inhibitory effect of a 16-hour compression of 0.48 MPa applied after the 4-day seeding period was studied further. This protocol did not appear to have an irreversible effect on chondrocyte metabolism; at 2 days after the release of load, proteoglycan synthesis by the loaded cells was stimulated by 41% compared with transplanted cells that were not subjected to loading. These results suggest that the application of static compressive stress to chondrocytes at a cartilage surface may affect biosynthesis by these cells and thus subsequent integrative cartilage repair. Such an effect may have implications for optimization of the tightness of the press fit of a cell-laden cartilaginous construct into an articular defect.

Articular cartilage collagen birefringence is altered concurrent with changes in proteoglycan synthesis during dynamic in vitro loading

INTRODUCTION

The articular cartilage collagen network and proteoglycans are subject to changes in deteriorating joint diseases. In this study, we exposed articular cartilage plugs to cyclic loading and investigated the properties of collagen network and proteoglycans in different zones of the articular cartilage.

METHODS

Articular cartilage full-depth plugs were exposed in vitro to 4.1 MPa cyclic (0.5 Hz) loading for 1 to 20 hr and investigated using quantitative microscopic methods (i.e., polarized light microscopy, microspectrophotometry, and autoradiography).

RESULTS

The loading caused packing or condensation of the tissue. In histological sections, the height of uncalcified articular cartilage decreased by an average of 12.8% (range, 4 to 19.7%). Loading increased the birefringence of collagen in the superficial cartilage (P < 0.05), with thickening of the zone up to 41.4% at 20 hr. The thickness of the intermediate zone increased also (22% at 1 hr and 434% at 20 hr). Concomitantly, the birefringence (P < 0.05) and the thickness of the deep zone decreased (18.5 to 27.8%). Loading for 4 hr increased the 35S-sulphate incorporation of the cartilage explants by an average of 67% (P < 0.05). The increase was most significant in the deep cartilage. A simultaneous increase was observed in the proteoglycan concentration of the cartilage; the staining intensity with safranin-O increased by 8.8% (P < 0.05). After 8 hr loading, this stimulation decreased; at 20 hr, loading caused a clear inhibitory effect on proteoglycan synthesis in the superficial zone.

DISCUSSION

According to these results, the chosen loading regimen increased the thickness and collagen orientation in the superficial zone. In contrast, the thickness and birefringence in the deep cartilage were reduced. The proteoglycan metabolism of chondrocytes was first stimulated deep in the cartilage, but as the loading continued, the effect proved to be inhibitory (especially in the superficial part of uncalcified cartilage).

Chondrocyte biosynthesis correlates with local tissue strain in statically compressed adult articular cartilage

In this study, we investigated the depth-dependent metabolic and structural responses of adult articular cartilage to large-strain, static, unconfined compression. Changes in cell biosynthetic activity and several morphometry-based structural parameters (cell density, cell volume fraction, cell surface-area density, mean cell surface area, and mean cell volume) were measured at eight sites representing different depth-zones between the articular surface and the cartilage/bone border. In addition, local axial strain in the superficial, transitional, upper radial, and lower radial zones was estimated on the basis of the change in cell density values. Static compression of articular cartilage revealed a highly heterogeneous deformation profile through the depth of the sample as well as zone-specific changes in biosynthetic activity, as reflected by incorporation of [3H]proline. The axial strains in the top layers were greater than the applied surface-to-surface strain, whereas axial strains adjacent to the cartilage/bone border were significantly less than the applied strain. Zonal changes in cell density and axial strain that occurred during static compression correlated well with alterations in metabolic activity. These coordinated changes between cell biosynthesis and cartilage structure suggest that zone-specific variations in mechanical stimuli could be responsible for spatially varied patterns of cartilage metabolic activity under load.

The effect of substance P on proliferation and proteoglycan deposition of cells derived from rabbit intervertebral disc

STUDY DESIGN

This study is an in vitro investigation of the effects of substance P on intervertebral disc cell metabolism.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the neuropeptide, substance P, affects cells isolated from the intervertebral disc.

SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND DATA

Nerve fibers containing substance P are present in the anulus fibrosus and may be released from the nerve terminals as in other tissues. Substance P is mitogenic for a variety of immune and connective tissue cells, and a fragment of the peptide affects the metabolism of articular chondrocytes.

METHODS

Cells were isolated enzymically from the anulus fibrosus of intervertebral disc of 8-week-old rabbits. The effects of substance P and the C-terminal pentapeptide fragment SP7-11 on cell proliferation and proteoglycan deposition were determine by crystal violet and Alcian blue staining, respectively.

RESULTS

Substance P ((10)-11-(10)-7 mol/l) had a small stimulatory effect on disc cell proliferation. Proteoglycan deposition in the cell layer increased concomitantly. A greater proliferative effect was observed with substance P fragment 7-11 or with the addition of the neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, phosphoramidon.

CONCLUSIONS

Substance P has small mitogenic effects on rabbit intervertebral disc cells in vitro. Further investigation is required to establish whether this might have biologic relevance in relation to the maintenance or repair of the intervertebral disc.

Correlation between synthetic activity and glycosaminoglycan concentration in epiphyseal cartilage raises questions about the regulatory role of interstitial pH

Current data provide compelling evidence that the pH of the interstitial fluid of cartilage is an important determinant of the metabolic activity of chondrocytes, and this has served as the basis for a mechanistic proposal whereby chondrocytes could sense mechanical compression. The objective of the current study was to test this hypothesis further by examining biosynthetic activity in cartilage as a function of glycosaminoglycan content, which is the major determinant of interstitial pH. On the basis of previous data, increased biosynthetic activity would be anticipated to correlate with a decreased glycosaminoglycan content and an elevated interstitial pH. In contrast to our expectations, we found that the biosynthetic activity (monitored by measurement of incorporation of sulfate and proline) was positively correlated with the glycosaminoglycan content of tissue. These results raise doubt as to whether interstitial pH provides a dominant mechanism for controlling the metabolism of chondrocytes.

Time-dependent changes in the response of cartilage to static compression suggest interstitial pH is not the only signaling mechanism

The goal of the present study was to reexamine the role of interstitial pH in regulating the biosynthetic rate in cartilage tissue by addressing two research questions: (a) Do small, short-term changes in interstitial pH, induced independently by two different mechanisms (namely, by controlling the pH of the medium or by mechanical compression), result in biosynthetic rates commensurate with those expected from the "natural" relationship between interstitial pH and biosynthesis? and (b) Are the effects of changes in the pH of the medium or in compression the same for short-term (14-hour) and long-term (60-hour) exposures? Biosynthetic rates were estimated from incorporation of sulfate and proline into explants of bovine epiphyseal cartilage during the final 14 hours of culture. These rates decreased with decreasing pH of the medium, with increasing compression, and with decreasing native glycosaminoglycan content; or, expressed in terms of interstitial pH, acidification induced by compression or by lowering the pH of the medium resulted in a decreased biosynthetic rate, whereas interstitial acidification effected by increasing glycosaminoglycan content enhanced it. When the time for which tissue was exposed to changes in the pH of the medium was increased from 14 to 60 hours, the relationship between the biosynthetic rate and the pH remained constant whereas the relationship between the biosynthetic rate and compression was reversed. These data suggest that the transduction mechanisms underlying the response to pH of the medium and compression differ and that some adaptation or stimulation by modest levels of compression can occur with longer exposures. Interstitial pH is not the sole determinant of biosynthesis, and it cannot really account for the long-term response of cartilage tissue to static compression.

Adaptive cellular response to osmotic stress in pig articular chondrocytes

The authors studied the effects of a wide range of medium osmolarities (from 0.28 osM (physiological osmolarity of plasma and synovial fluid) to 0.58 osM) by altering Na+ concentration in high density cultures of pig articular chondrocytes in order to analyze the behaviour of some functional and structural parameters during cell adaptation to these imposed changes in the ionic environment. Biochemical and morphological results indicated that, even if isolated from the tissue matrix and cultured in vitro, chondrocytes maintained active osmoregulation systems which are present in living conditions. They showed a similar biochemical and morphological behavior when cultured at 0.28 osM and 0.38 osM but they were able, with regard to protein synthesis, aminoacid transport and proliferation rates, to respond quickly and to adapt to 0.48 osM medium as well. On the contrary, the treatment at the highest osmolarity (0.58 osM) early altered these biochemical parameters and was detrimental or even gave rise to lethal damage during long-term treatment. Furthermore, while chondrocytes cultured in 0.28-0.38 osM medium maintained phenotypic characteristics in culture, the higher osmolarities (0.48-0.58 osM) caused morphological changes in cell populations resulting in loss of phenotypic cell stability as demonstrated by their taking on a fibroblast-like shape as well as a lack of ability to assembly matrix proteoglycans.

Increased proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage in experimental canine osteoarthritis does not reflect a permanent change in chondrocyte phenotype

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether chondrocytes in early experimental osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage continue to show increased synthesis and turnover of proteoglycans (PGs) during explant culture. A comparison was also made between the responsiveness of experimental OA and control cartilage to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) after 1 day and 3 days in culture.

METHODS

OA was induced in mature animals by sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament followed by 3 months of normal exercise. PG synthesis in the articular cartilage was determined by measuring 35S-sulfate incorporation during explant culture over 1-3 days. Inhibition of PG synthesis was also determined with various concentrations of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha after 1 and 3 days in culture. PGs extracted from the articular cartilage over 1-3 days in culture were examined by agarose-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

Up to 24 hours after excision from the joint, PG synthesis was higher in experimental OA cartilage than in control cartilage. It was also less sensitive to inhibition by TNF alpha. These differences were no longer detected after 48-72 hours in culture. There were no changes in the relative proportions of aggrecan and decorin/biglycan extracted from and synthesized by control and experimental OA cartilage over the 3 days in culture.

CONCLUSION

Previous results indicated that PG synthesis and turnover in articular cartilage was increased for many months after induction of experimental OA. Our present results show that the enhanced rate of PG synthesis and turnover were evident in freshly explanted tissue, but the differences were lost over 3 days in culture. A decreased responsiveness to TNF alpha was also lost. The hypermetabolic activity of experimental OA chondrocytes was thus reversible and not a permanent change in chondrocyte phenotype.

The control of intracellular pH in cultured avian chondrocytes

1. Mechanical loading of cartilaginous tissue generates an increase in the concentration of cations in the extracellular matrix. This includes a decrease of the extracellular pH (pHo), which is known to affect the intracellular pH (pHi), thereby modifying the intracellular metabolism. Thus, the regulation of pHi is essential for the physiological function of cartilage. The fluorescent pH-sensitive dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF AM) was employed in order to assess the mechanisms responsible for control of the pHi in an embryonic avian chondrocyte cell suspension. 2. Steady-state pHi in the absence of physiological HCO3- was 7.15 +/- 0.01 pH units as compared to a pHi of 6.94 +/- 0.02 pH units in its presence (P < 0.01). The intrinsic buffering power of chondrocytes (beta i) was 38.9 mM/pH unit and the total buffering capacity (beta T) was 65.8 mM/pH unit. 3. Cells maintained in a Hepes-buffered solution were exposed to an intracellular acid load by the NH4+ prepulse technique (20 mM NH4Cl). The initial rate of pHi recovery was 0.106 pH units/min (n = 18). Amiloride (0.33 mM), an inhibitor of the Na(+)-H+ exchanger, or replacement of external sodium [Na+]o with choline induced a 60% inhibition of the recovery rate, indicating a predominant involvement of this antiporter in the response to intracellular acidification. 4. H(+)-ATPase inhibitors (oligomycin 20 micrograms/ml; N,N;-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), 0.5 mM; N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), 0.25 mM) and iodomycin (2 mM), a metabolic cell suppressor, reduced acid extrusion by 25% as measured by the NH4Cl prepulse in Hepes-bathed cells. 5. Chondrocytes transferred from a Hepes-buffered solution to a 5% CO2-25 mM HCO3- medium (HCO3- solution) underwent a pHi decrease of approximately 0.20 pH units, followed by a regulatory alkalinizing response of 0.118 pH units/min. The Na(+)-H+ exchanger was responsible for only 15% of this alkalinization (amiloride, 0.33 mM), in contrast to its primary role in HCO(3-)-free solution. 6. The activity of a Na(+)-dependent Cl(-)-HCO3- exchanger in physiological HCO3- solution was estimated by addition of the inhibitors 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS; 0.5 mM) or diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS; 100 microM) and by the suspensions of chondrocytes in a Na(+)-free solution. Acidification performed under these conditions resulted in a 45% inhibition of the recovery rate as compared to control rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Regulation of matrix synthesis rates by the ionic and osmotic environment of articular chondrocytes

Chondrocytes in cartilage are embedded in a matrix containing a high concentration of proteoglycans and hence of fixed negative charges. Their extracellular ionic environment is thus different from that of most cells, with extracellular Na+ being 250-350 mM and extracellular osmolality 350-450 mOsm. When chondrocytes are isolated from the matrix and incubated in standard culture medium (DMEM; osmolality 250-280 mOsm), their extracellular environment changes sharply. We incubated isolated bovine articular chondrocytes and cartilage slices in DMEM whose osmolality was altered over the range 250-450 mOsm by Na+ or sucrose addition. 35S-sulphate and 3H-proline incorporation rates were at a maximum when the extracellular osmolality was 350-400 mOsm for both freshly isolated chondrocytes and for chondrocytes in cartilage. The incorporation rate per cell of isolated chondrocytes was only 10% that of chondrocytes in situ both 4 and 24 hours after isolation. For freshly isolated chondrocytes, the rate increased 30-50% in DMEM to which NaCl or sucrose had been added to increase osmolality. In chondrocytes incubated overnight in DMEM, the rate was greatest in DMEM of normal osmolality and fell from the maximum in proportion to the change in osmolality. The effects of sucrose addition on incorporation rates were similar but not identical to those of Na+ addition. Changes in cell volume might be linked to changes in synthesis rates since the cell volume of chondrocytes (measured by Coulter-counter) increased 30-40% when the cells were removed from their in situ environment into DMEM. Synthesis rates can thus be partly regulated by changes in extracellular osmolality, which in cartilage is controlled by proteoglycan concentration. This provides a mechanism by which the chondrocytes can rapidly respond to changes in extracellular matrix composition.

Determination of fixed charge density in cartilage using nuclear magnetic resonance

Many biomechanical and chemical properties of cartilage are dependent on the fixed charge density (FCD) of the extracellular matrix. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was investigated as a nondestructive technique for determining FCD in cartilage. Sodium content was measured by NMR in cartilage explants and was compared with sodium content measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP) in order to verify the total NMR visibility of sodium in cartilage. The ratio of NMR to ICP results was 1.02 +/- 0.04 (calf, mean +/- SD, n = 7) and 1.04 +/- 0.11 (adult bovine, n = 8). Sodium concentration as measured by NMR was then used with ideal Donnan theory to compute estimates of FCD. For calf articular cartilage (AC) near physiological conditions, calculated FCD was -0.28 +/- 0.03 M (n = 10). NMR measurements were then made for individual cartilage specimens sequentially equilibrated in baths of differing salt composition, pH, or ionic strength. For calf and adult AC, calculated FCD decreased dramatically between pH 3 and 2, with adult specimens becoming positively charged but calf tissue retaining a net negative charge. For calf AC equilibrated in 0.3-0.015 M NaCl, calculated FCD was observed to decrease slightly with decreasing bath ionic strength. For epiphyseal cartilage, FCD varied with the position of origin of the explant within the joint, ranging from -0.19 to -0.35 M in a manner that correlated with tissue glycosaminoglycan content. Preliminary NMR imaging experiments demonstrated similar variations of sodium concentration in intact ulnar epiphyseal cartilage. Collectively, these results demonstrate the ability of NMR to nondestructively follow FCD in cartilage. The technique is applicable to dynamic studies as well as to both in vitro and in vivo studies on living tissue.

Effects of mechanical load on cartilage matrix biosynthesis in vitro

Cultured bovine articular cartilage full thickness explants were mechanically loaded, both statically and cyclically, at high frequency (2s of load with 2s intervals of no load) and low frequency (60s of load with 60s intervals of no load), at 1 MPa. Metabolic effects of the load were studied by radiolabeling and compared with non-loaded cartilage explants. High frequency load had a stimulatory effect on protein and proteoglycan synthesis while low frequency and static load showed decreased synthesis. Removing the load from the cultures restored synthesis to non-loaded control culture levels. No major differences in protein biosynthetic pattern were revealed, as determined by SDS-PAGE and fluorography, showing the generalized nature of the response.

The effect of osmotic and mechanical pressures on water partitioning in articular cartilage

X-ray diffraction measurements on native and proteoglycan-free articular cartilage have been made in order to test the dependence of the lateral packing of the collagen molecules on the osmotic pressure gradient, either naturally occurring or externally applied, between the intra- and extrafibrillar compartments. From the information on collagen packing we have been able to calculate, albeit with several assumptions, the amount of intrafibrillar water as a function of pressure. In parallel with the above measurements, we have quantitated, using serum albumin partitioning, the intrafibrillar water in proteoglycan-free cartilage, as a function of mechanically applied pressure. The results of both sets of experiments lead to the conclusion that the molecular packing density, and hence the intrafibrillar water content, are a function of the osmotic pressure difference between the extrafibrillar and intrafibrillar spaces or the equivalent mechanically applied pressure. The determination of intrafibrillar water has enabled us to calculate, from measured values of fixed charge density, the internal osmotic pressure of cartilage specimens, both in compressed and uncompressed states.

The effects of hydrostatic pressure on matrix synthesis in articular cartilage

The direct effects of hydrostatic pressure on matrix synthesis in articular cartilage can be studied independently of the other factors that change during loading. We have found that the influence of hydrostatic pressure on incorporation rates of 35SO4 and [3H]proline into adult bovine articular cartilage slices in vitro depends on the pressure level and on the time at pressure. Pressures in the "physiological" range (5-15 MPa) applied for 20 s or for 5 min could stimulate tracer incorporation (30-130%) during the following 2 h, but higher pressures (20-50 MPa) had no effect on incorporation rates. The degree of stimulation in cartilage obtained from different animals was found to vary; in some animals none was seen. Stimulation also varied with position along the joint. Physiological pressures (5-10 MPa) applied continuously for the 2-h incubation period also stimulated incorporation rates, but pressures greater than 20 MPa always produced a decrease that was related to the applied pressure and that was reversible. These results suggests that the hydrostatic pressure that occurs during loading is a signal that can stimulate matrix synthesis rates in articular cartilage.

Proteoglycans of articular cartilage: changes in aging and in joint disease

In human osteoarthritis and animal models of degenerative joint disease, damage to the structure of cartilage proteoglycan is a central event. Loss of proteoglycan from the matrix alters the physicochemical properties of the tissue, but the pathological process and biochemical mechanisms that lead to this loss are poorly understood. This review examines the present state of knowledge regarding proteoglycan structure and the changes that occur in aging and osteoarthritis. It also discusses how these studies will influence the development of new methods for measuring cartilage breakdown.