Calcium pyrophosphate crystal deposition. An in vitro study using a gelatin matrix model

Deposition of crystalline triclinic (t) and monoclinic (m) calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) in fibrocartilage and articular cartilage is the hallmark of chondrocalcinosis. Using biologic grade gelatin to model this crystal growth process, t-CPPD, m-CPPD, amorphous calcium pyrophosphate, orthorhombic calcium pyrophosphate tetrahydrate (o-CPPT), and 3 mixed calcium/sodium pyrophosphate salts were grown at physiologic pH. Amorphous and o-CPPT appeared to be kinetic precursor crystals in the formation of t-CPPD and m-CPPD. Optimal concentration ranges for the different crystals were determined.