Aim: To induce bone marrow stem cells(BMSC) of rats to differentiate directionally towards chondrocytes in vitro and identify the differentiated cells.
Methods: BMSC and chondrocytes were isolated from SD rats and cultured in vitro. The supernatant of chondrocytes was collected and used to induce transformation of BMSC from the second passage. After 7 days of induction, specific markers of differentiation of chondrocytes were detected by the appearance of toluidine blue staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry detection of collagen type II, and RT-PCR detection of collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA.
Results: After 7 days, the induced BMSC changed into triangle or polygonal shape from spindle shape. Specific markers of chondrocytes were positive in the appearance of toluidine blue staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry detection of collagen type II, and RT-PCR detection of collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA.
Conclusion: The supernatant of chondrocytes can induce BMSC to differentiate into chondrocytes in vitro.