J Korean Orthop Res Soc.  2002 Oct;5(2):118-123.

Viability of Refrigerated Human Articular Cartilage

• Han CW
• Kim WY
• Jee JH
• Choi DW
• Ha JD
• Fu FH

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the viability of human chondrocytes within refrigerated articular cartilage stored under conditions currently used clinically.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Osteochondral sections of human ankle taluses were stored at 4 degrees C in DMEM media for 1 to 42 days. Articular cartilage was harvested and evaluated for histologic changes and proteoglycan synthesis.
RESULTS
By day 7, markedly decreased proteoglycan synthesis was observed. After 21 days, synthetic activity was virtually undetectable. Histologic specimens demonstrated chondrocyte death of a half of the cells from the superficial layer at day 7. Within 21 days, significant chondrocyte death was seen.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that proteoglycan synthetic activity and chondrocyte viability are markedly decreased in articular cartilage after cold storage for longer than 7 days.

Keyword

Articular cartilage allograft; Chondrocyte; Refrigeration; Chondrocyte viability; Proteoglycan synthesis

MeSH Terms

Ankle
Cartilage, Articular*
Chondrocytes
Humans*
Proteoglycans
Refrigeration
Talus
Proteoglycans