Objective: To study the feasibility of constructing tissue engineered cartilage cells by differentiated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(MSC) cultured in vitro.
Methods: The MSC were isolated from the rib by density gradient centrifuge, then induced into chondrogenic differentiation by adding dexamethasone, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), ascorbic acid, insulin and bovine serum albumin.
Results: Some cells were degenerated and disappeared after cultured in vitro. But the residual cells were surviving and have secreted metachromatic matrix, which is positive with toluidine blue staining Collagen II antigens expression is positive, which is one of the cartilage cells characteristics.
Conclusion: MSC can be induced to cartilage cells in vitro, MSC can be used as functional cells for constructing tissue engineered cartilage.