Formation of nodular structures resembling mature articular cartilage in long–term primary cultures of human fetal epiphyseal chondrocytes on a hydrogel substrate

Abstract

The human chondrocyte culture system described here allows the maintenance of a chondrocyte-specific phenotype for prolonged periods (up to 180 days). The long-term chondrocyte cultures formed nodular structures that resemble mature articular cartilage morphologically, ultrastructurally, biosynthetically, and in the pattern of cartilage-specific gene expression.