[Chondrocyte metabolism in growing and definitive cartilage exposed to lead acetate]

Intensity of biosynthesis of glycogen, glycosaminoglycans and collagen by chondrocytes has been studied. It is established that the degree of influence of the lead compounds on these processes depends on dose, duration of chondrocytes' entry into the organism and intensity of their functioning. Lead acetate has the greatest effect on metabolism of chondrocytes in bones of the fetal skeleton during its entry in the gestation period. The inhibition of glycosaminoglycans biosynthesis in chondrocytes delays their transition into the hypertrophic state, thus inhibiting the skeleton growth. The more intense is the skeleton growth, the greater is the lead effect.