Effects of transforming growth factor-beta on matrix synthesis by chick growth plate chondrocytes

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) is a local regulator of cell metabolism and growth. TGF beta increases the synthesis of collagen and enhances the deposition of matrix by almost all cells studied to date. The presence of TGF beta in cartilage suggests an important autocrine function, and the present study was designed to examine its influence on the matrix synthesis of chick epiphyseal chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were plated in serum-free (BSA-supplemented) medium or medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), and after 24 h in monolayer culture were treated with TGF beta in identical medium. A 24-h incubation with TGF beta caused a dose-dependent decrease in collagen synthesis (-14%) and increase in noncollagen protein synthesis (+25%), with greater effects in serum-containing medium (-22% and +58%, respectively). Similarly, the stimulation of sulfate incorporation by TGF beta was greater in FBS-containing medium (+140%) than in serum-free medium (+70%). These changes were present by 6 h, were maximal in the 0.3-3.0 ng/ml dose range, and were found to reflect an alteration in extracellular protein synthesis. The enhancement of TGF beta effects by serum was abolished when chondrocytes were plated and exposed to TGF beta in medium containing dialyzed FBS (12-14K membrane). The present study indicates that TGF beta influences the synthesis of matrix components by growth plate chondrocytes. The effects are enhanced by factors present in serum.