The uptake of [45Ca]calcium ions by matrix vesicles isolated from calcifying cartilage (<i>Short Communication</i>)

Abstract

Extracellular membranous matrix vesicles, which contain various phosphatases and appear to initiate hydroxyapatite formation in growth cartilage, were isolated and incubated with (45)Ca(2+) and shown to form mineral in the presence of ATP. There is enhanced calcification in the presence of serum and under alkaline conditions.