Abstract
In the following sections, we primarily review our own work on the expression, tissue distribution and function of integrins in selected in vitro models of articular chondrocytes and limb bud mesenchymal cells. The expression pattern of α1-, α3-, αv- and α5β1-integrins and their specific ligand binding were investigated in monolayer cultures of chondrocytes from 17-day-old mouse embryos using morphological and immunomorphological methods. After a 3-h culture period of chondrocytes from 17-day-old mouse embryos, numerous cells had already adhered in the form of a monolayer. After a 1-day culture period αv-, α3- and α5β1-integrins were observed on the chondrocytes. During the first 4 days, the number of the cells had increased, a matrix became perceptible. After a 5-day culture period, the flat fibroblast-like cells, often of bipolar shape, increased in number at the expense of the chondrocytes. © 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.