The distribution and function of lysosomes in condylar cartilage.

Using electron microscopic and histochemical methods it was possible to demonstrate in condylar cartilage the presence of acid phosphatase and aryl sulphatase in lysosome-like bodies of the cartilage cells, confirming that they are lysosomes. Lysosome-like bodies were also present in the extracellular matrix, but they reacted for acid phosphatase only. Lysosomes extruded by the cells may well provide a means whereby lysosomal enzymes are enabled to take part in the preliminaries to matrix calcification. The large numbers of lysosomes in the hypertrophic chondrocytes, however, are probably more concerned in bringing about autolysis of the cells than in promoting calcification of the matrix.