Authors : Gustavo Hernandez Vidal , Jorge R. Kawas Garza , Rafael Ramirez Romero , Luis E. Rodriguez Tovar , Alicia M. Nevares Garza , Francisco A. Mora Valdez , Jesus J. Hernandez Escareno , Elisabeth Davis and Leo B. Jeffcott
Abstract: The effects of copper and zinc on cathepsin B activity, chondrocytes behaviour and matrix turnover by articular cartilage were investigated in vitro using normal horse cartilage co-cultured with synovial tissue. Proteoglycan (PG) depletion was assessed by toluidine blue staining. Co-culture cartilage expressed elevated levels and activity of the PG-degrading enzyme cathepsin B. Copper but not zinc was able to reduce the depletion of PG and the enzyme activity induced by the synovial tissue.
Gustavo Hernandez Vidal , Jorge R. Kawas Garza , Rafael Ramirez Romero , Luis E. Rodriguez Tovar , Alicia M. Nevares Garza , Francisco A. Mora Valdez , Jesus J. Hernandez Escareno , Elisabeth Davis and Leo B. Jeffcott , 2009. Effects of Copper and Zinc on Cathepsin B Activity in Equine Articular Chondrocytes. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 8: 935-945.