[Preservation of articular cartilage. 2. Behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the intracellular substance of preserved articular cartilage (histo- and biochemical studies)].

Glucosaminoglucanes (acid mucopolysaccharides) were assessed by means of histochemic and biochemic methods in differently preserved articular cartilages of adult Alsatian dogs. Immediately after lyophilization, resp. 14 days after preservation at --196 degrees C., the glucosaminoglucanes decrease, whereas they are present in undiminished concentration after deep-freezing preservation (--18 degrees C. and --78 degrees C.) up to 30 months, and at +4 degrees C. up to 100 days. No more destruction of glucosaminoglucanes occurs after dying of chondrocytes, obviously depending on blocking the glucosaminoglucanes destructing enzymes during the freezing. With regard to the investigations on the vitality, deep-freezing preservation at --18 degrees C. to --78 degrees C. is recommended for storage of avital articular cartilage. Preservation of vital articular cartilage is possible for 28 days at +4 C. in 5 per cent glucose solution.