Proteoglycan biosynthesis is stimulated by D-penicillamine in chondrifying high density cell cultures

Chondrifying high density cell cultures of stage 22-24 chick embryo limb bud mesenchyme were treated with 5 10 and 15 mmol/1 D-penicillamine (DPA) for 4 and 6 days. The cultures were analyzed with morphological and biochemical techniques to learn more about the effect of DPA on the metabolism of cartilage glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Using light and electron microscopic histochemical reactions for GAGs a considerable increase in the intensity of staining of the cartilage matrix could be detected in cultures treated with DPA as compared to the untreated controls. The uronic acid content of the treated cultures was higher than that of the controls. Liquid scintillation measurements and autoradiography revealed that DPA treatment increased the 35S-sulfate into the cultures. These data suggest that DPA - besides its well known inhibitory effect on collagen crosslink formation - alters the metabolism of sulfated GAGs in differentiating cartilage. It is supposed that DPA stimulates the biosynthesis of these macromolecules.