Influence of Zinc and Copper on Lapine Articular Chondrocytes in Monolayer Culture

The effects of zinc and copper ions on the structure, proliferative capacity and proteoglycan metabolism of lapine articular chondrocytes were studied in a monolayer culture system. Zn++ was cytotoxic at a concentration of 100 mumol/l, whereas 50 mumol/l caused a stimulation of chondrocyte proliferation with simultaneous reduction (p less than 0.01) in macro-molecular binding of 35 SO4. 10 mumol/Zn++ failed to evoke any alteration in these parameters. Cu++ concentrations of 100 and 50 mumol/1 significantly reduced cell proliferation (p less than 0.01) with a concomitant stimulation of 35 SO4 uptake into proteoglycans 10 mumol/Cu++ did not significantly alter chondrocyte multiplication nor binding of 35SO4. It is proposed that Zn++ may play a role in chondrocyte damage in joint disease. Furthermore, the possible therapeutic efficacy of copper in maintaining cartilage integrity is supported.