Abstract.
Whitlockite crystals have been observed in both degenerating and normal articular cartilages. To determine their potential for inducing cartilage degeneration, we studied their ability to induce mitogenesis and synthesis and secretion of metalloproteases in vitro. Whitlockite crystals were found to stimulate cell proliferation and to stimulate synthesis and secretion of stromelysin and collagenase. However, they were less stimulatory than crystals that contained calcium (Ca) and phosphate without magnesium substitution for Ca. Whitlockite crystals elicit biologic cellular responses that suggest potential pathogenicity in arthritis, but are less potent than Ca phosphate crystals without magnesium.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 3 November 1998 / Accepted: 10 June 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ryan, L., Cheung, H., LeGeros, R. et al. Cellular Responses to Whitlockite. Calcif Tissue Int 65, 374–377 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002239900716
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002239900716