Direct effects of transforming growth factor-beta on chondrocytes are modulated by vitamin D metabolites in a cell maturation-specific manner.

Chondrocytes in the endochondral differentiation pathway produce transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and response to this growth factor both in vitro and in vivo. To clarify the role that cell maturation state plays in the response, we used a well characterized chondrocyte cell culture model which compares cartilage cells at two different stages of maturation. Confluent fourth passage cultures of rat costochondral resting zone and growth zone cartilage cells were incubated with recombinant human (rh) TGF-beta-1 for 24, 48, or 72 h, and the effect on cell number and [3H]thymidine incorporation was observed. To assess whether TGF-beta regulates chondrocyte differentiation to a calcifying cartilage phenotype, cells were incubated for 24 h with TGF-beta, and the specific activities of alkaline phosphatase and phospholipase A2, two enzymes associated with calcification, were assayed in isolated plasma membranes and matrix vesicles. Alkaline phosphatase-specific activity was also measured in the cell lay...