Fig. 5A–F.

Graphs show the quantification of IL-8, MCP-1, and TGF-β1 produced by HACs. Amounts of (A) IL-8, (B) MCP-1, and (C) TGF-β1 are shown, normalized to the DNA contents of the corresponding pellets, released in the supernatants of tissues maintained in culture for a total of 4 days (immature) or 17 days (mature) in which the last 3 days were with IL-1β or without IL-1β (ctr). Real-time RT-PCR analysis of the expression of (D) IL-8, (E) MCP-1, and (F) TGF-β1 mRNA by chondrocytes cultured in pellets at the different times is shown. Values are expressed as mean ± SD of measurements (four donors, 12 specimens). n.d. = not detectable. Probability values (p) (mature versus mature [same culture condition] and ctr versus IL-1β [same culture time]) are reported on the top of the bars. Results indicate a superior IL-1β-mediated production of IL-8, MCP-1, and TGF-β1 by immature pellets.