Validation of an in vitro single-impact load model of the initiation of osteoarthritis-like changes in articular cartilage

The objective of this study was the development and characterization of an in vitro model of the initiation of traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Articular cartilage was obtained from seven healthy horses and from four horses diagnosed with OA. Cartilage disks were subjected to a single‐impact load (500...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of orthopaedic research 2006-04, Vol.24 (4), p.725-732
Main Authors: Huser, Camille A.M., Davies, M. Elisabeth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Apoptosis
cartilage damage
Cartilage, Articular - pathology
chondrocyte death
Chondrocytes - pathology
Collagen Type II - analysis
Disease Models, Animal
Horses
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
mechanical trauma
Osteoarthritis - pathology
proteoglycan loss
Proteoglycans - metabolism
Weight Gain
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Summary:The objective of this study was the development and characterization of an in vitro model of the initiation of traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Articular cartilage was obtained from seven healthy horses and from four horses diagnosed with OA. Cartilage disks were subjected to a single‐impact load (500 g from 25, 50, or 100 mm) using a simple drop‐tower device and cultured in vitro for up to 20 days. Cartilage sections were examined histologically to observe surface damage and proteoglycan loss. Percentage cell death was determined using TUNEL, release of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) to the medium was measured using the DMMB assay, and percentage weight gain calculated. Following a single‐impact load and subsequent culture in vitro, articular cartilage explants demonstrated characteristic surface damage, proteoglycan loss, and chondrocyte death. This closely resembled degenerative changes observed in OA cartilage samples. A kinetic study showed that these degenerative changes (increased weight gain, GAG release into the medium, and chondrocyte death) were initiated within 48 h following impact and increased with recovery time in culture. These parameters were proportional to impact height, that is, impact energy. In conclusion, articular cartilage disks subjected to a single‐impact load followed by 48 h of recovery time in culture in vitro developed traumatic OA‐like changes. These changes can be quantified and compared, making the in vitro single‐impact load model a useful tool for the elucidation of the early molecular pathways involved in the process leading from trauma to cartilage degeneration. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
ISSN:0736-0266
1554-527X
DOI:10.1002/jor.20111