Cartilage macromolecules and the calcification of cartilage matrix.

The calcification of cartilage matrix in endochondral bone formation occurs in an extracellular matrix composed of fibrils of type II collagen with which type X collagen is closely associated. Also present within this matrix are the large proteoglycans containing chondroitin sulfate which aggregate with hyaluronic acid. In addition, the matrix contains matrix vesicles containing alkaline phosphatase. There is probably a concentration of calcium as a result of its binding to the many chondroitin sulfate chains. At the time of calcification, these proteoglycans become focally concentrated in sites where mineral is deposited. This would result in an even greater focal concentration of calcium. Release of inorganic phosphate, as a result of the activity of alkaline phosphatase, can lead to the displacement of proteoglycan bound calcium and its precipitation. The C-propeptide of type II collagen becomes concentrated in the mineralizing sites, prior to which it is mainly associated with type II collagen fibrils and is present in dilated cisternae of the enlarged hypertrophic chondrocytes. The synthesis of type II collagen and the C-propeptide, together with alkaline phosphatase, are regulated by the vitamin D metabolites 24,25(OH)2 cholecalciferol and 1,25 (OH)2 cholecalciferol. At the time of calcification, type X collagen remains associated with type II collagen fibrils. It may play a role in preventing the initial calcification of these fibrils focusing mineral formation in focal interfibrillar sites. This process of calcification is clearly very complex, and involves different interacting matrix molecules and is carefully regulated at the cellular level.