[Preservation of articular cartilage. 1. Chondrocyte vitality depending on the preservation method (autoradiographic studies)].

Vitality of chondrocytes of articular cartilages of adult Alsatian dogs was autoradiographically examined in vitro after different kinds of preservation. All preserving methods that require freezing-in result in dying of cartilage cells, immediately or after one day. On the other hand, chondrocytes survive dry preservation at +4 degrees C. for 14 days, and even for 28 days when stored in 5 per cent glucose solution.