The effect of glycosaminoglycan loss on chondrocyte viability: A study on porcine cartilage explants

Abstract

These results indicate that GAG loss alone does not directly lead to chondrocyte death. In response to mechanical injury, there is an immediate induction of necrotic cell death that is seen only in GAG-depleted explants and primarily in the superficial zone. During subsequent culture, cell death spreads via apoptotic mechanisms.