Mesenchymal Stem Cells' Chondrogenic Changing with Passaging

Objective:In vitro chondrogenic potential of serially passaged rabbit bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was evaluated for the feasibility of repairing cartilage defect with engineered cartilage. Methods: Chondrogenic potential of MSCs in vitro was evaluated by means of investigating cartilage-specific extracellular matrix aggrecan with RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorecence. Results: Aggrecan expressed less in the chondrogensic primary MSCs than in the P2,4 MSCs,least in the P6-8 MSCs. Conclusion: Although chondrogenic markers aggrecan were prominent in the less passaged BMCs continuously cultured with chondrogenic supplements,they decreased with passaging;MSCs maybe are consisted of many mesenchymal cells with similar appearance and function,being a little difference in differentiating different kinds of tissue cells;Establishment of the culture conditions that permit the rapid expansion of BMCs while retaining their potential for chondrogenic differentiation will be required for clinical repairing cartilage defect.