[Experimental morphological analysis of perichondrial chondrogenesis]

Microscopic structure of perichondrium of rabbits of different age groups was studied under normal conditions and after its ortho- and heterotopic transplantation in several variants. The results obtained showed that after isolation from its normal environment and placement into unusual conditions of survival, perichondrium maintained its capacity for growth; its cells were found to divide and differentiate actively eventually forming regular hyaline cartilage in a manner similar to that taking place during normal ontogenesis. Perichondrial chondrogenesis occured in all cases of free perichondrial transplantation, provided the experimental conditions assured the optimal vascularization of transplant bed and there were no inerference with the realization of perichondrial histoblastic potential. The most intensive and full-scale chondrogenesis was obtained in the experiments that provided the expansive growth of transplant due to availability of a free space above it. Under these conditions, the proliferation of chondroblasts occured similar to that taking place in normal articular cartilage, outer surface of which faces the free space of articular cavity. These experimental data were supported by the clinical practice, where perichondrial transplantation is successfully used for the treatment of osteoarticular pathology.