Hydrogen peroxide suppresses the proteoglycan synthesis of intact articular cartilage.

The effects of oxygen derived metabolites on intact murine patellar cartilage were investigated. Hydrogen peroxide was found to suppress the chondrocyte proteoglycan synthesis as measured by 35SO4 incorporation. Superoxide or hydroxyl radicals were not involved in chondrocyte damage. Autoradiography showed a severe inhibition of 35SO4 uptake by the chondrocytes in the central area of the patella. Histological examination did not show acute effects on the morphology of the affected cartilage. When kept in tissue culture up to 96 h, patellae exposed to hydrogen peroxide still showed considerable suppression of 35SO4 uptake and occasional cell death was observed. These data support the concept that cartilage damage, as a result of inflammation, may be related to the generation of toxic oxygen metabolites.