PRODUCTION OF CARTILAGE TISSUE USING CELLS ISOLATED FROM WHARTON'S JELLY

摘要

The invention relates to the isolation and use of pre-chondrocytes from the umbilical cord, specifically from Wharton's jelly, that give rise to chondrocytes which produce cartilage. The isolated pre-chondrocytes, or the chondrocytes to which they give rise, can be mitotically expanded in culture and used in the production of new cartilage tissue for therapeutic use. "Banks" of pre-chondrocytes or chondrocytes can be stored frozen, and thawed and used to produce new cartilage tissue as needed.