ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE PRESERVATION AND STORAGE .2. MECHANICAL INDENTATION TESTING OF VIABLE, STORED ARTICULAR-CARTILAGE

Mature rabbit articular cartilage in the form of distal femoral condyles, composite osteoarticular structures, were incubated in the presence of .alpha.-tocopherol (200 .mu.g/ml). Indentation testing and 35S uptake indicated preservation of sustained load carrying capacity and viability, respectively, in the presence of .alpha.-tocopherol for up to 30 days in organ culture. Condylar cartilage stored in the absence of .alpha.-tocopherol and frozen cartilage demonstrated progressive inability to resist sustained loading over time. Nonoptimal synthetic function apparently occurred in these latter 2 groups compared to .alpha.-tocopherol stored material.