An experimental study of bone marrow stromal cells differentiating to chondrocytes for repairing temporomandibular joint condylar cartilage defects

PURPOSE: To repair the temporomandibular joint condylar cartilaginous defects by the differentiated bone marrow stroma cells combined with chondrocytes.METHODS: Fifteen goats were randomly divided into 2 groups.The experimental group included 9 goats,autologous BMSCs combined with chondrocytes were mixed with pluronic F-127 and implanted into goat temporomandibular joint condylar articular cartilage defects.The control group included 6 goats,pluronic F-127 gel was implanted into their temporomandibular joint condylar articular cartilage defects.The goats were killed 4,8,12 weeks postoperatively.The reconstructive articular cartilage was evaluated by HE staining and immunostaining of type Ⅱcollagen.RESULTS: The experimental group could reconstruct the articular cartilage after 4 weeks.12 weeks later the articular cartilage did not degenerate.The control group could not reconstruct the articular cartilage.CONCLUSIONS: BMSCs can be differentiated into chondrocytes and play an important role in repairing articular cartilage defects.