Effect of heat stimulation on viability and proteoglycan metabolism of cultured chondrocytes: preliminary report

Hojo T, Fujioka M, Otsuka G, Inoue S, Kim U, Kubo T · Journal of Orthopaedic Science

15-30 minutes at 39-41°C increased cell viability and accelerated proteoglycan metabolism, whereas 30 minutes at 43°C or higher depressed both — the authors conclude effect direction hinges on total thermal dose.

Population

HCS-2/8 chondrocyte-like cell line

Intervention

Heat at 39, 41, 43 or 45°C for 15 or 30 minutes

Limitations

Preliminary report in a chondrosarcoma-derived cell line, not primary cartilage; external heating raises human intra-articular temperature by only about 1-2°C, well short of these exposures.