Changes of proteoglycan in articular cartilage matrix of osteoarthritis in rabbits

Objective To observe the changes of proteoglycan (PG) of articular cartilage matrix in osteoarthritis (OA) in different stages and to research the OA pathogenesis relative to cartilage matrix metabolism.Methods The rabbit model of OA was made for getting the articular cartilage in OA early,middle and late stages.Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) was extracted from cartilage,the quantity of different kinds of GAG and its function groups were detected with biochemical and radioimmunologic techniques.Results The quantity of total GAG,hayluronic acid and SO 2- 4 were all declined.These changes gradually diminished by the disease development but the CS/KS increased.Conclusion The contents of total PG,various PG composition and its function groups of articular cartilige matrix all have significant changes in OA different stages.These changes will aid to clarify the mechanism of OA formation.