Chondrocyte mediated cartilage degradation: regulation by prostaglandin E2, cyclic AMP and interferon alpha.

Local responses to cytokines and their induced products play a critical role in outcome in the arthritic joint. Using a bovine nasal cartilage culture model, chondrocyte mediated breakdown was stimulated by lipopolysaccharides or tumor necrosis factor. Cartilage breakdown was inhibited in a dose dependent manner by prostaglandin E2, cyclic AMP enhancement and interferon alpha. The possible regulatory roles played by these agents in cytokine activated cartilage breakdown suggest potential therapeutic strategies in human arthritis.