[In vitro induction of directional differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells towards chondrocytes].

AIM: To induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or bone marrow stroma cells (MSCs) to differentiate directionally towards chondrocytes in vitro and then identify the differentiated cells. METHODS: MSCs were isolated from bone marrows of healthy adult human donors and then the cultured. MSCs at the 3rd passage were induced by TGF-beta1, dexamethasone(Dex) and Vitamin C(Vit C). 14 days later, micro-cell aggregates formed by the induced MSCs were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with HE, toluidine blue or anti-type II collagen mAb (Col II). The expression of Col II in the induced MSCs also were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: The induced cells exhibited a chondrocyte-like morphology.The staining of toluidine blue and Col II on extracellular matrix in the micro-cell aggregates was positive. Western blot and RT-PCR showed that Col II was only expressed in the induced cells. CONCLUSION: MSCs can differentiate into chondrocytes under the induction of TGF-beta1, Dex and Vit C.