In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regenerated cartilage

摘要

A method for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration of cartilage and collagen. In vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration and de novo formation of articular cartilage and collagen by intermittently applied hydrostatic pressure. The application of external interval loading consisting of repeated periods of applied hydrostatic pressure followed and interrupted by periods of recovery. The application of the intermittent hydrostatic pressure at physiological levels 5-10 MPA for an interval of 4 hours followed by a recovery period up to about 20 hours, said pressure applied to the cartilage cells in vitro, explants of cartilage ex vivo and in vivo to cartilage that remains intact within te joint space of diarthrotic joints. The interval loading results in the selective inhibition of matrix degrading enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract inflammatory cells into the joint cavity and in selective decrease of gene expression of growth factors that are inhibitory to type II collagen expression.