Changes in rat epiphyseal cartilage after treatment with dexamethasone and glycosaminoglycan-peptide complex

In 3-month-old rats, systemic administration of glucocorticosteroids induced regressive changes in the epiphyseal plate cartilage. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in inhibition of both chondrocyte proliferation and cartilage matrix production. The inhibition of chondrocyte proliferation was determined histologically from the thickness of the epiphyseal plate, the number of cell columns and the ratio of proliferating to hypertrophied chondrocytes. The decrease in cartilage matrix production was measured autoradiographically by incorporation of radioactive 35S-sulphate. Concomitant treatment with glycosaminoglycan-peptide complex (GP-C = RUMALON) overcame the negative effect of dexamethasone. The values in the dexamethasone + GP-C group approached those of the control group and differed significantly from the group given dexamethasone alone.