The present study was designed to assess the role of TGF-β1 in cartilage repair in an in vivo model of articular cartilage defect in rabbit. Twenty four New Zealand white rabbits of either sex, 6-7 months old (1-2 kgs) were divided into two groups i.e. A (Control) and B (TGF-β1). The articular cartilage defect of 3mm diameter and 2mm depth was created in the femoral groove of femoropatellar joint. Animals of both the groups were provided with collagen scaffolds at 10μg/cm2 in the articular defect. However, Group B animals were further provided with 20ng/20μl of TGF- β1 in the defect stuffed with collagen scaffold.  Articular defect grossly appeared re-surfaced completely and healed with better joint movement in group B as compared to the animals of group A. Repaired articular surface maintained the transparency and sheen as hyaline cartilage. Synthesis of proteoglycans, enhanced filapodia activity, significant increase in the collagen type II and aggrecan in the repaired tissue further supports that TGF-β1 at the tested dosage improved the articular cartilage management and repair.

Key words: Cartilage, Neochondrogenesis, Mesenchymal stimulation, Osteochondral defect, TGF-β1