Chromium effects on chondrocytic differentiation in vitro

A tissue culture study was conducted on the effects of chromium on chondrocytic differentiation. Mesenchymal cells from stage 22-24 chick limb buds were dispersed and cultured as micromasses, where they differentiated into chondrocytes. Addition of chromium(VI) to the cultures indicated that the production of proteoglycans (as detected by Alcian blue staining) was more sensitive to chromium's effects than was cell proliferation. Whereas Alcian blue nodule formation was inhibited by 1 microM Cr(VI), cell proliferation (as detected by cell counts) was not. Chromium (VI) was added to cultures at daily intervals, and these studies indicated that the interval of d 1-2 was the most sensitive period. ADP-ribose transferase activity in these cultures was measured; the pattern of enzyme activity in control cultures was high 1 and 24 h after the start of culture, decreased abruptly between 24 and 48 h, and then decreased more gradually. In the presence of Cr(VI), elevated ADP-ribose transferase levels were maintained throughout the culture period. We suggest that, in presence of 1.0 microM chromium(VI) or higher concentrations, the balance of events favors nucleolytic action rather than repair of damage.