[Comparative studies on collagen expression of chondrocytes in monolayer and spheroid culture].

Dedifferentiation of cells is well known in cell culture biology. This phenomenon is examined in comparative studies on collagen expression of chondrocytes in monolayer and spheroid culture. Immunohistochemical studies were carried out by the indirect peroxidase technique. In the differentiated state a positive reaction for collagen type II was found. This was lost as dedifferentiation took place, in which case positivity for collagen types I, III, and V increased.