Equine chondrocyte activation by a variety of stimuli

There is increasing evidence that the chondrocyte is capable of considerable anabolic and catabolic activity. In the case of equine chondrocytes, this study demonstrates that a variety of factors involved in the pathogenesis of joint disease stimulate the production of prostaglandin E2. These include exposure to IL-1, bone fragments and LPS. In addition, an IL-1-like factor was shown to be produced by the chondrocyte itself, when stimulated by LPS, providing a possible mechanism for amplification of extra-cartilagenous signals and even autocrine control. Considered together with evidence of increased synthesis of proteoglycan molecules by chondrocytes in diseased cartilage, this offers the exciting possibility of development of therapeutic agents to assist cartilage repair.