Objective: To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes in epiphyseal plate in order to understand its role in the mechanism of bone and cartilage formation.
Methods: We observed the effect of TGF-beta in varied time and dosage on the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes in embryonic chick femora which were cultured in serum-free medium, using histochemical staining to detect the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of type I collagen and fibronectin.
Results: TGF-beta enabled the chondrocytes to express type I collagen and fibronectin, and it enhanced the expression of ALP in hypertrophic zone. Time-effect and dosage-effect relationships were observed.
Conclusion: TGF-beta can induce the differentiation of hypertrophic chondrocytes into osteoblast-like cells in epiphyseal plate of embryonic chick femora. The inducing effect might be closely related to time and dosage of TGF-beta.