Abstract
Aims: This study investigated the regenerative potential of different parts of human and sheep menisci when exposed to PDGF-AB, IGF-I, and bFGF in a dose dependent manner. Methods: Monolayer cell cultures were prepared from inner, middle, and outer zones of the lateral menisci of sheep and from humans obtained following total knee replacement and partial meniscectomy. Various concentrations of each of the three growth factors were used in addition to control samples. Wemeasured the incorporation of Radio-labelled thymidine to assess cell proliferation and radioactive sulphate and radio-labelled proline to assess matrix formation. Results: Both PDGF-AB and IGF-I have a signiþcant effect in promoting both þbrochondrocyte proliferation and matrix formation in the all meniscal zone zones at 100 and 200 ng/ml (p< 0.001). However, cells isolated from the inner avascu-lar zone of the meniscus showed a higher response than those isolated from the outer vascular zone. bFGF has also stimulated both cell proliferation and matrix formation, but to a lower degree in comparison to PDGF-AB and bFGF, in all meniscal zones of sheep meniscus (p< 0.05). Whereas, in humans, bFGF stimulated only cell isolated form the inner zone of the meniscus (p< 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that the meniscal tissue in the avascular zone has the ability to regenerate when exposed to growth factors such as PDGF, IGF-I, and bFGF. This could improve the therapeutic methods to treat meniscal injuries and, ultimately, reduce the incidence of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
