Exogenous glycosaminoglycans modulate chondrogenesis, cyclic AMP level and cell growth in limb bud mesenchyme cultures

Abstract Effects of hyaluronate, heparin and chondroitin-6-sulfate were studied on micro-mass cultures of chick limb bud mesenchyme (Hamburger and Hamilton stages 23–24). Histochemical, electron microscopical, biochemical and radiochemical investigations of day 4 cultures revealed dose-dependent inhibitory effects of these glycosaminoglycans on chondrogenesis, cyclic AMP level and growth of cells. In addition, hyaluronate with 100 μg/ml dose caused a displacement of newly formed proteoglycan from cultures into the medium. It is supposed that exogenous glycosaminoglycans influence ionic equilibrium in the immediate vicinity of cells and disturb the organization of the prechondrogenic extracellular matrix resulting in alterations of cell membrane—cytoskeleton associations. These alterations may provoke a reduction in cyclic AMP level and DNA synthesis. It is suggested that a reduction in cyclic AMP level preceding the expression of cartilage phenotype results in the inhibition of chondrogenesis.