Chondrocyte viability depends on the preservative solution

Fresh osteochondral grafts find broad application in the treatment of extensive and focal damages of joint surfaces. The maintenance of chondrocyte viability of the collected grafts is of key importance. Aim: The evaluation of chondrocyte survivability in a stable temperature of 4C in different preservative solutions is the aim of this work. Method: Chondrocyte survivability has been evaluated in saline solution (group I), Ringer solution (group II), saline with an addition of hyaluronic acid (group III) and saline enriched with glucosamine sulphate (group IV). The amount of live chondrocytes was examined on the day of collection and subsequently after 1, 2, 3,6,12, and 21 days using the Promega MTT test. Results: The highest number of live chondrocytes as calculated for 1g of hyaline cartilage after 21 days was ascertained in group IV (saline with glucosamine sulphate). The lowest number of live chondral cells was observed in group II (saline with hyaluronic acid). Chondrocyte survivability in saline (group I) was higher than in the Ringer solution (group II). Conclusions: The enrichment of saline solution with glucosamine sulphate protracts the viability of chondrocytes in fresh osteochondral grafts prepared for chondral transplantation.