[The effect of temperature on preservation of swine articular cartilage--an NMR study].

The influence of temperature on stored porcine articular cartilage was studied and the factors underlying degradation identified. For these investigations, specimens measuring 18 mm in diameter were punched out of the articularis humeri of juvenile pigs. These samples were investigated by MR microimaging immediately after preparation, and after storage for three days at +4 degrees C and -18 degrees C. Five smaller (3 mm) cylindrical specimens were then obtained and compared with one another using MR-spectroscopy, relaxometry and biochemical assays. From the experiments we conclude that all analytical methods--with the exception of MR microimaging--are capable of detecting changes in cartilage, and that it is not advisable to keep cartilage frozen, since marked changes, presumably at the cellular level, occur. Storage at +4 degrees C also requires the use of preserving chemicals, as otherwise, the polymers of the extracellular matrix degrade.