Collagenase‐3 (matrix metalloprotease 13) is preferentially localized in the deep layer of human arthritic cartilage in situ. In vitro mimicking effect by transforming growth factor β

Abstract

This study demonstrates that, in situ, the increase in the level of chondrocytes synthesizing collagenase-3 in arthritic cartilage is predominant in the deep layers. The results further indicate that TGFbeta can up-regulate the level of this enzyme and, in normal cartilage in vitro, can cause a mimicking of the in situ distribution observed in arthritic cartilage.