What space do chondrocytes occupy?
The cartilage cells or chondrocytes are contained in cavities in the matrix, called cartilage lacunae; around these, the matrix is arranged in concentric lines as if it had been formed in successive portions around the cartilage cells. This constitutes the so-called capsule of the space.
Are chondrocytes terminally differentiated?
We have found that chondrocytes not committed to terminal differentiation, i.e., those from the caudal region of chick embryo sterna, a region that remains cartilaginous for some months after the chick hatches, maintained high viability in serum-free suspension culture.
What do chondrocytes differentiate into?
These chondrogenic cells differentiate into so-called chondroblasts, which then synthesize the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), consisting of a ground substance (proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans for low osmotic potential) and fibers.
Where do chondrocytes reside?
Chondrocytes, or chondrocytes in lacunae, are cells found in cartilage connective tissue. They are the only cells located in cartilage.
What happens to chondrocytes in osteoarthritis?
During chondrolysis, osteoarthritic chondrocytes activate or upregulate the expression of many matrix-degrading proteases, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are largely responsible for the breakdown of the collagenous and noncollagenous cartilage matrix components.
What is the function of a chondrocyte?
Chondrocytes in the AC proliferate and secrete extracellular matrix to maintain and sustain the cartilage. The cells themselves are separated from each other by cartilage matrix [2]. They respond to outside stimuli and tissue damage, and are also responsible for degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA).
What happens to the cartilage after it Hypertrophies?
As the inner cartilage hypertrophies and the ossification front extends farther outward, the remaining cartilage in the epiphyseal growth plate proliferates. As long as the epiphyseal growth plates are able to produce chondrocytes, the bone continues to grow.
What is fibroblast function?
A fibroblast is the most common type of cell found in connective tissue. Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that are used to maintain a structural framework for many tissues. They also play an important role in healing wounds.
What is a Chondroblast?
Chondroblasts (AKA perichondrial cells) are cells that play an important role in the formation of cartilage (AKA chondrogenesis). They are located in the perichondrium, which is a layer of connective tissue that surrounds developing bone and also helps protect cartilage.
Is Aggrecan a gag?
Almost 90% of aggrecan mass is comprised of substituted GAG chains which are mostly chondroitin sulfate chains, but also include keratan sulfate chains with N- and O-linked oligosaccharides.
What happens to the cartilage in osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, greatly decreasing its ability to act as a shock absorber. As the cartilage deteriorates, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain.
What happens to chondrocytes after chondrogenesis?
Following chondrogenesis, the chondrocytes remain as resting cells to form the articular cartilage or undergo proliferation, terminal differentiation to chondrocyte hypertrophy, and apoptosis in a process termed endochondral ossification, whereby the hypertrophic cartilage is replaced by bone.
What do chondrocytes do in the mid zone?
ECM Production and Its Regulation by Chondrocytes The main function of chondrocytes in the superficial and mid zone is to synthesize ECM composed of collagen type II, IX, and XI and proteoglycans. This ECM facilitates compressional and tensile forces across the diarthrodial joint [9,10].
Why do chondrocytes secrete extracellular matrix?
Chondrocytes in the AC proliferate and secrete extracellular matrix to maintain and sustain the cartilage. The cells themselves are separated from each other by cartilage matrix [2]. They respond to outside stimuli and tissue damage, and are also responsible for degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA).
Do BMSCs differentiate into chondrocytes?
Although, bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are known to differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes, and osteocytes controlling their fate of differentiation is a feat on its own [88,89]. Several models have shown that the quality of cartilage produced by BMSCs is equivalent compared to that using chondrocytes [90].