EFFECT OF ASCORBIC ACID ON MONOLAYER CULTURES OF 3 TYPES OF CHONDROCYTES

A comparative study was made of chondrocytes from three types of embryonic chick cartilage when grown as monolayer cultures. Each type displayed a characteristic cellular pattern. Epiphyseal and articular chondrocytes (tibia) formed nodules of rounded cells in an abundant intercellular matrix. Hypertrophic chondrocytes (tibial diaphysis) produced a monolayer of polygonal cells which later became encapsulated with minimal intercellular matrix. Chonrocytes from Meckel's cartilage formed nodules of encapsulated cells, variously shaped, imbedded in a thick matrix. Ascorbic acid had a profound effect on cultures of all three types. Addition of 50 μg/ml to the medium resulted in an increase of metachromatic and fibrillar intercellular material and was essential for maintenance of typically chrondrified masses of cells. © 1969.