Studying the formation of the zone of calcified cartilage in bovine cartilage explants <i>ex vivo</i>.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The zone of calcified cartilage (ZCC) connects non-calcified articular cartilage to the subchondral bone, acting as transitional layer. Regeneration of this layer is key for cartilage repair but remains a challenge. Knowledge on the formation of this layer during development is limited. This study describes the use of an ex vivo explant culture model to investigate the formation of the ZCC.

Design

Explants were harvested from immature bovine metacarpophalangeal joints and cultured in the presence of β-glycerophosphate for 3 weeks as osteochondral explants, full-thickness cartilage or divided in top and bottom cartilage layers. To investigate cell-driven vs matrix-dependent calcification, explants were devitalized. Calcification was analysed using calcium upt

SUBMITTER: Xu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12856866 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature