Inducing rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to express chondrogenic potential by growth factors

Objective: To establish a method of isolating rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and inducing them to express chondrocyte phenotype. Methods: Bone marrow was extracted from the iliac of New Zealand rabbit. MSCs were separated by density centrifugation and fibronectin adhesion. TGF-β1, IGF-I and vitamin C were applied into culture medium to induce proliferation and transformation of MSCs. Procollagen α1 (II) mRNA and hexuronic acid in culture were detected. Results: 1. Adhesion of MSCs to culture flask was enhanced by fibronectin. 2. Cell proliferation and expression of articular cartilage matrix-procollagen α1 (II) mRNA and hexuronic acid were promoted by inducing factors-TGF-β1, IGF-I and vitamin C. Conclusion: 1. Separation rate of MSCs is enhanced by the combination of density centrifugation and fibronectin adhesion. 2. Cell proliferation and expression of chondrocytic phenotype can be induced by the combination of TGF-β1, IGF-I and vitamin C.