[Phenotypic changes of mandibular condylar cartilage cells during subculture]
Objective:
To demonstrate the phenotypic changes of mandibular condylar cartilage(MCC) cells during subculture in vitro.
Methods:
MCC cells were harvested from human fetus by digestion of collagenase and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% newborn calf serum, then they were passaged when reached confluence. Morphological changes were observed under phase-contrast microscope. Type II collagen, proteoglycan synthesis and type I, II and III procollagen mRNA levels were also studied in serial monolayer cultures.
Results:
During subculture, type II collagen and proteoglycan synthesis were decreased, being accompanied by a lower type II collagen mRNA level. In contrast, type I and III procollagen mRNA levels were elevated progressively. The morphology of polygonal-shaped chondrocytes was lost to the bipolar fibroblastic cells.
Conclusion:
Passage and culture can affect the phenotypic property of MCC cells.
