# CONTROLLED CARTILAGE REPAIR

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 1987 · $147,111

## Abstract

This study proposes to systematically investigate the capacity of a bone
matrix derived chondrogenic factor to induce in vivo cartilage repair
within an articular cartilage defect.  The bioactive agent, a 31,000 dalton
protein designated Chondrogenic Stimulating Activity (CSA), was identified
by assay in embryonic limb bud cell cultures where it induced cartilage
differentiation.  Effective in vivo use of this highly soluble chondrogenic
factor is dependent upon its availability at critical periods during the
tissue repair process.  The fabrication of controlled delivery release
vehicles will utilize techniques involving chemical bonding and/or physical
entrapment of the active factor into inert biodegradable implant devices.
The chondrogenic potential of the biomatrix vehicles containing immobilized
CSA is initially screened by implantation into ectopic intramuscular
sites.  The cartilage tissue induced by these implants will be
quantitatively evaluated by histological and biochemical methods.  It is
hypothesized that immobilized CSA implants which stimulate ectopic
chondrogenesis can effectively enhance the limited repair capacity of
damaged articular cartilage.  The CSA-mediated regeneration of a stable,
phenotypically functional and well integrated cartilage tissue within an
articular cartilage defect site is the principal objective of this
proposal.  The ability of formatted CSA to induce a functional cartilage
repair will be evaluated by producing 3.2 mm full thickness defects in the
articular surface of femoral condyles of adult New Zealand white rabbits.
The extent of cartilage repair will be assessed by quantitative
histological, immunochemical and biochemical analysis as well as by
mechanical testing using confined compression creep.  Additionally, the
role of continuous passive motion (CPM) in promoting the healing of full
thickness defects will also be studied in conjunction with immobilized CSA
using a similar experimental model.  The long-term goal of this proposal is
to develop practical techniques which utilize purified soluble CSA in the
repair of cartilagenous defects with ultimate application to the clinical
problems of joint trauma and degeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3158308
- **Project number:** 5R01AR037726-02
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HJMKEF7EJW69
- **Principal Investigator:** VICTOR M GOLDBERG
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $147,111
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-08-01 → 1989-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3158308

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3158308, CONTROLLED CARTILAGE REPAIR (5R01AR037726-02). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3158308. Licensed CC0.

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