Pericellular matrix chondrocyte
Pericellular matrix chondrocyte. Jan 1, 2018 · The ECM is composed of a pericellular, territorial, and interterritorial region (Fig. Quantification of the staining intensity in healthy cartilage (C) and in OA cartilage (D). Previous modeling studies indicate that the mechanical properties of Apr 1, 2011 · In cartilage tissue, chondrocytes are encapsulated in a thin rim named pericellular matrix (PCM) that play a critical role in chondrocyte anchorage to the extracellular matrix and preserving The collagenase digestion process dissolves the extracellular matrix (ECM) and strips the cells of their pericellular matrix (PCM) resulting in a suspension of isolated single cells. In this paper, a novel biomimetic pericellular microniche (BPM), inspired by chondron composed of chondrocyte and its surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM), is proposed to offer a promising solution to achieve cartilage repair. ). The chondron is widely considered to be the primary structural, functional and metabolic unit of articular cartilage (Poole, 1997). Setton , Mansoor A. Acta biomaterialia. It is of variable thickness and composition, and has the potential to serve as a transducer of both biochemical and biomechanical signals to the cell [ 1 ]. 2) (reviewed in Ref. These molecules serve important biochemical, structural, and biomechanical role … Jun 10, 2003 · In articular cartilage, chondrocytes are surrounded by a pericellular matrix (PCM), which together with the chondrocyte have been termed the “chondron. In articular cartilage, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and chondrocyte-associated pericellular matrix (PCM) are characterized by a high concentration of proteoglycans (PGs) and their associated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Emerging targets for the development results from of investigations chondrocytes demonstrate plays important that the roles pericellular in protecting matrix of articular Sep 1, 2009 · The PCM, a native microenvironment of chondrocytes, protects chond rocytes from apoptosis, and type VI collagen is a functional component of the PCM that contributes to the survival of chONDrocyte. We found that changes of the content of matrilins that link various pericellular molecules surrounding chondrocytes affect mechanical stimulation of chondrocyte proliferation and gene expression. Currently, chondrocytes isolated without a PCM are the preferred choice for cartilage tissue engineering In cartilage, chondrocytes are embedded within an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). Alexopoulos, Maureen L. However, little is known about the mechanical role of collagen fibrils in the pericellular matrix, and how fibrils might help modulate strains acting on chondrocytes when cartilage i … Mar 8, 2021 · This phenomenon results in fluctuations in the interstitial osmolarity of the ECM and pericellular matrix (PCM) [15,16] which can influence the physiologic activity of the chondrocyte [17,18]. Sep 1, 2008 · In this way type VI collagen could provide a close functional interrelationship between the chondrocyte, its pericellular microenvironment and the load bearing extracellular matrix of adult The collagenase digestion process dissolves the extracellular matrix (ECM) and strips the cells of their pericellular matrix (PCM) resulting in a suspension of isolated single cells. Previous studies suggest that the mechanical properties of the PCM, relative to those of the chondrocyte and the extracellular matrix (E … Mar 24, 2013 · The aim of this study was to investigate if the experimentally detected altered chondrocyte volumetric behavior in early osteoarthritis can be explained by changes in the extracellular and pericellular matrix properties of cartilage. Osteoarthritic changes in the biphasic mechanical properties of the chondrocyte pericellular matrix in articular cartilage. ” While the precise function of the PCM is not known there has been considerable speculation that it plays a role in regulating the biomechanical environment of the chondrocyte. It is suggested that the chondrocyte, its pericellular matrix, and capsule together Jul 1, 2007 · We have demonstrated that chondrocytes encapsulated in alginate are able to lay down a pericellular matrix, and have uncovered a role for pericellular FGF-2 in chondrocyte mechanotransduction. Jul 15, 2020 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) of cartilage is a structurally distinctive microdomain surrounding each chondrocyte, and is pivotal to cell homeostasis and cell-matrix interactions in healthy tissue. A thin pericellular matrix (PCM) surrounds the cell and plays an important role in mechanotransduction. Jul 12, 2018 · In articular cartilage, each chondrocyte is surrounded by a 2–4 μm thick collagen VI-rich pericellular matrix (PCM) forming a chondron. Jan 1, 2001 · Fully assembled chondrocyte pericellular matrices were displaced using hyaluronan hexasaccharides as well. ” While the function of this region is not fully understood, it is hypothesized to have important biological and biomechanical functions. 25–27 In addition, the isolation process for chondrocytes is typically performed in standard culture medium with osmolarities that are lower than native cartilage Feb 13, 2023 · Because the disruption of the functionally relevant pericellular matrix of chondrocytes (56–58) occurs in early OA pathology (59–61), and because IL-1β promotes the sequestration of pericellular type VI collagen , the study of is important because it connects chondrocyte morphology with aspects of early articular cartilage degradation and Nov 15, 2022 · There is a special matrix area around each chondrocyte called the pericellular matrix (PCM), which is located between the chondrocyte and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Pericellular matrix is at the ideal location to be involved in transmitting mechanical signals from the microenvironment to a cell. 25–27 In addition, the isolation process for chondrocytes is typically performed in standard culture medium with osmolarities that are lower than native cartilage The pericellular matrix as a transducer of biomechanical and biochemical signals in articular cartilage Farshid Guilak , Leonidas G. This massive cellular organelle negotiates the cell’s interaction with surrounding tissue, influencing important processes such as cell adhesion, mitosis, locomotion, molecular sequestration, and Apr 1, 2009 · While Ca 2+ signaling has not been linked to metabolic changes in the chondrocyte, several studies have shown that osmotic loading stimulates Matrix Biology xxx (2014) xxx-xxx calcium signaling in Feb 1, 1993 · Fully assembled chondrocyte pericellular matrices were displaced using hyaluronan hexasaccharides as well. [Google Scholar] Alexopoulos LG, Williams GM, Upton ML, Setton LA, Guilak F. 1982). In this review, details of hyaluronan synthesis are discussed including how HAS2 production of hyaluronan is necessary for normal chondrocyte development and matrix assembly, how an abundance or deficit of pericellular hyaluronan alters chondrocyte metabolism, and whether hyaluronan size matters or changes with aging or disease. Feb 1, 2021 · The highly negative charged osmotic microenvironment of pericellular matrix is required for normal chondrocyte mechanotransduction in situ. The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage. (2014) entitled, The structure and function of the pericellular matrix of articular cartilage is available that details the role of other extracellular matrix (ECM) macromolecules enriched within the chondrocyte pericellular matrix (PCM) such as type VI collagen and perlecan, how the PCM Mar 3, 2023 · Decorin is an essential constituent of the native cartilage matrix, and pericellular matrix of decorin-null murine cartilage leads to reduced content of aggrecan, the major chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in cartilage, and a mild increase in collagen II-based fibril diameter, as well as a significant reduction in the cartilage micromodulus Dec 4, 2009 · Abstract. Previous modeling studies indicate that the mechanical properties of the PCM relative to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can significantly affect the stress–strain, fluid flow, and physicochemical environments of the chondrocyte, suggesting that the PCM plays a Nov 11, 2022 · This pericellular matrix connects the chondrocyte to the territorial and interterritorial matrix and plays an important role in the joint homeostasis and mechanoregulation [3, 5, 6]. Oct 16, 2017 · Chondrocyte mechanics is complicated by changes in tissue properties that can occur as osteoarthritis (OA) progresses and by the interaction between macro-scale, tissue level, properties, and micro-scale pericellular matrix (PCM) and local extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, both of which cannot be easily studied using in vitro systems. , 1987; Szirmai Chondrocyte mechanics is complicated by changes in tissue properties that can occur as osteoarthritis (OA) progresses and by the interaction between macro-scale, tissue level, properties, and micro-scale pericellular matrix (PCM) and local extracellular matrix (ECM) properties, both of which cannot be easily studied using in vitro systems. Haider For example, collagen II fibrils are smaller (10–15 mm) in the pericellular matrix and form an interwoven construction named the pericellular capsule (Poole et al. PCM has a positive effect on the maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype during culture in comparison to The pericellular matrix of articular cartilage has been shown to regulate the mechanical environment of chondrocytes. of Chondrocyte Pericellular Matrix Cheryl B. Freshly extracted chondrons form a more cartilage-like extracellular matrix (ECM) than chondrocytes and their surrounding PCM is thought to maintain the chondrocyte phenotype. , 1984). Studies have shown that the cell coat can extend outward by anywhere from a few microns up to 20 Nov 6, 2020 · The ECM can be divided into pericellular matrix (PCM), territorial, and interterritorial regions. These research areas are particularly challenging as analyses will probably have to be performed in situ, as chondrocyte behaviour and phenotypic Dec 12, 2014 · In cartilage, chondrocytes are embedded within an abundant extracellular matrix (ECM). We additionally wanted to identify the earliest time point of PCM-breakdown in this physiopathological model. Aug 2, 2023 · However, it remains a big challenge worldwide because of the avascular and aneural nature of cartilage. Decorin affects the intracellular calcium signaling of chondrocytes by mediating the aggrecan-endowed osmotic microenvironment of pericellular matrix. Given this spatial position, the PCM is pivotal in mediating communication between Oct 16, 2017 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) with de ned physical properties surrounds each chondrocyte [2] and plays a critical role in regulating the mechanical microenvironment of chondrocytes [3, 4]. The aim of this study was to characterize this PCM-degradation based on different cellular patterns. Dec 21, 2021 · Surrounding the chondrocytes, a distinct region termed the pericellular matrix (PCM) has perhaps the most influence on cell mechanotransduction. Feb 17, 2010 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) is the narrow tissue region surrounding all chondrocytes in articular cartilage and, together, the chondrocyte(s) and surrounding PCM have been termed the chondron. The PCM has a patent structure, defined molecular composition, and unique physical properties that support the chondrocyte. Articular cartilage is a thin hydrated tissue, which covers the articulating joint surfaces. When exogenous hyaluronan was added to matrix-free chondrocytes in combination with aggrecan, a pericellular matrix equivalent in size to an endogenous matrix formed within 30 min of incubation. Based on our own Aug 28, 2019 · Introduction. A recent review in Matrix Biology by Wilusz et al. Previous modeling studies indicate that the mechanical properties of the PCM relative to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can significantly affect the stress-strain, fl … Schematic of the chondrocyte, which together with its surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM) forms a chondron, embedded within the cartilage ECM The PCM is rich in proteoglycans such as perlecan and is characterized by the presence of collagens type VI and IX, as well as several other matrix macromolecules (fibronectin, laminin, etc. J Biomech. Dec 12, 2014 · A typical chondron consists of a chondrocyte and the immediate surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM). Apr 1, 2020 · 3. Each chondrocyte is surrounded by a narrow pericellular matrix (PCM) that together with the enclosed cell (s) is referred to as a chondron ( Fig. Knudson Departments of Biochemistry and Pathology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Methods: Chondrocytes and chondrons were enzymatically isolated from human articular cartilage and exposed to monosodium This matrix, or cell coat, deco-rates the surface of a variety of cells in vivo and in tissue culture including fibroblasts (2), smooth muscle cells (3), prostate cancer cells (4), epithelial cells (5), chondrocytes (6), and mesothelial cells (7). These molecules serve important biochemical, structural, and biomechanical role … In articular cartilage, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and chondrocyte-associated pericellular matrix (PCM) are characterized by a high concentration of proteoglycans (PGs) and their associated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Sep 20, 2018 · In articular cartilage, each chondrocyte is surrounded by a 2–4 μm thick collagen VI-rich pericellular matrix (PCM) forming a chondron. 1) ( Benninghoff, 1925 May 30, 2006 · Abstract: The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region surrounding chondrocytes in articular cartilage, which together with the enclosed cell(s) has been termed the “chondron. 5 This PCM (mainly type VI collagen) has an important role in the metabolic activity of the chondrocyte and the The highly negative charged osmotic microenvironment of pericellular matrix is required for normal chondrocyte mechanotransduction in situ. The assembly of a pericellular matrix was visualized by a particle exclusion assay. Bovine articular chondrocytes and chondrons were isolated enzymatically. " While the precise function of the PCM is not know there has been considerable speculation that it plays a role in regulating the biomechanical environment of the chondrocyte. Previous theoretical and experimental studies suggest that the structure and properties of the PCM significantly influence the biomechanical environment at the microscopic scale of the chondrocytes May 26, 2022 · Schematic view of the cartilage extracellular matrix, highlighting the role of the pericellular matrix in chondrocyte signaling. Upton, Inchan Youn, Jae Bong Choi, Li Cao, Lori A. The PCM is a 1–5 μm region immediately surrounding the chondrocyte, and together with the chondrocyte is termed the chondron [21]. Previous parametric studies of cell-matrix interactions suggest that the mechanical properties of the PCM relative to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can significantly affect the micromechanical environment of the chondrocyte. Oct 1, 2014 · The type and abundance of PGs in cartilage show significant spatial inhomogeneities in the tissue, with a higher concentration of these molecules found in the chondrocyte-associated pericellular matrix (PCM) than in the ECM (Poole et al. Jun 15, 2019 · The relationship between chondrocyte shape and matrix metabolism is well established but the signalling pathways, particularly those involving intracellular Ca 2+, require further detailed study. The chondron structure plays a key role in signal transduction initiation and provides a hydrodynamic defense for the chondrocyte upon weight bearing (Hall and Miyake 1992b ). Nov 1, 2005 · An in vivo chondrocyte in native cartilage is embedded in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and surrounded by a narrow region termed the pericellular matrix (PCM) that has a distinct structure and Chondrocyte biosynthesis is highly sensitive to mechanical strain. 3 The PCM is a specialized, thin layer of the ECM that immediately surrounds chondrocytes 4 forming a unit together called the chondron. In native articular cartilage tissue, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a fibrillar mesh of interacting collagens, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and other non-collagenous glycoproteins residing in a highly aqueous environment. In articular cartilage, chondrocytes are surrounded by a pericellular matrix (PCM), which together with the chondrocyte have been termed the "chondron. 1 The chondrocytes within the ECM are surrounded May 30, 2006 · Abstract: The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region surrounding chondrocytes in articular cartilage, which together with the enclosed cell(s) has been termed the “chondron. Abstract. Initially, isolation of chondrons was performed mechanically using repeated low-speed homogenizations which led to damage and low viability of chondrons [ 1 ]. Oct 10, 2020 · Generally, these data suggest that nascent matrix alters the chondrocyte–hydrogel interface in two ways: i) physical displacement of the hydrogel through accumulation in the pericellular space and ii) interpenetration within the hydrogel through distribution further from the cell body. Initial assembly of extracellular matrix oc- curs within a zone immediately adjacent to the chon- drocyte cell surface termed the cell-associated or Chenlu 1Laboratory Liu1,2, Summary. The 2-4µm thick PCM contains a high percentage of typeVI collagen and proteoglycans The pericellular matrix (PCM) appears to degrade together alongside cellular reorganization. Addition of hyaluronan and aggrecan to Aug 26, 2014 · Each chondrocyte is surrounded by a narrow pericellular matrix (PCM) that together with the enclosed cell(s) is referred to as a chondron (Figure 1) (Benninghoff, 1925; Poole et al. [8]). Addition of hyaluronan and aggrecan to Introduction: This study was designed to quantify the role of the pericellular matrix (PCM) in chondrocyte apoptosis using chondrons, which are a cartilage functional unit including a chondrocyte and its associated PCM. This study queried if the PCM is the initiation point for disease or a casualty of more widespread matrix degeneration. Dec 23, 2022 · Analogous to articular cartilage, changes in spatial chondrocyte organisation have been proposed to be a strong indicator for local tissue degeneration in the intervertebral disc (IVD). Chondrocyte viability was monitored every hour for 24 h after applying a strain range of 0% to 25% to agarose constructs containing chondrocytes, cultured Apr 1, 2020 · Chondrocytes are surrounded by a narrow pericellular matrix (PCM), which absorbs dynamic and static forces and transmits them to the chondrocyte surface. PCM material properties are difficult to measure directly because of its size and connectivity to both cell and extracellular matrix (ECM). May 1, 2005 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage. Fully assembled chondrocyte pericellular matrices were displaced using hyaluronan hexasaccharides as well. During Jul 1, 2014 · This study aims to establish a relationship between chondrocyte deformation and death, and to evaluate the protective effect of the pericellular matrix (PCM) that is formed in 3D cultures. Recent studies have demonstrated that molecular components, including perlecan, collagen and hyaluronan, provide distinct physical properties for the PCM and maintain the essential May 30, 2006 · Abstract: The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow tissue region surrounding chondrocytes in articular cartilage, which together with the enclosed cell(s) has been termed the “chondron. The chondrocyte and its associated hydrated pericellular matrix (PCM) are termed a chondron (Smirzai, 1974). Attention should be paid to the difference between human and murine chondrocytes when looking for disease modifying drugs, as hypertrophic differentiation might be differently regulated. The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow region of cartilaginous tissue that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage. By electron microscopy, the pericellular matrix of articular cartilage is seen as a relatively lucent zone around chondrocytes, devoid of fibrillar Dec 9, 2015 · Top panels: Herein, in the OA cartilage, enhanced immunoreactions of laminin-α1, notably within the pericellular matrix of chondrocyte clusters, were detected. Jun 24, 2021 · Here we report that chondrocyte hypertrophy is not necessarily promoted in cultured human chondrocytes by pro-inflammatory signaling cues, as was observed in mice. Although the pericellular matrix (PCM) often extends several microns from the cell surface, its macromolecular structure remains elusive. , 1995). , 2002) and that cell survival is directly dependent on interactions between the chondrocyte and the pericellular matrix (Meredith et al. Addition of hyaluronan and aggrecan to Jul 8, 2008 · The chondrocyte and its associated hydrated pericellular matrix (PCM) are termed a chondron (Smirzai, 1974). Mar 5, 2013 · Although the pericellular matrix (PCM) often extends several microns from the cell surface, its macromolecular structure remains elusive. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 Abstract. Previous parametric studies of cell–matrix interactions suggest that the mechanical properties of the PCM relative to those of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can significantly affect the micromechanical environment of the chondrocyte. In this study, we have examined the capacity of various cell types, which express cell surface hyaluronan receptors, to organize a chondrocyte-like pericellular matrix when given chondrocyte-derived extracellular matrix macromolecules exogenously. Therefore, components of the pericellular matrix also play essential roles in chondrocyte mechanotransduction and metabolism. 2005a; 1:317–325. The pericellular matrix of chondrocytes defines the physicochemical environment of the chondrocytes and physically interacts with the chondrocyte through cell surface receptors including integrins CD44, annexin V and other related receptors which bind to collagens, fibronectin, laminin, vitronectin and hyaluronan [33, 53, 66]. The pericellular matrix (PCM) and the chondrocyte make up a structural unit known as the “chondron”; it has a critical biomechanical role absorbing, redistributing, and transmitting physiological compressive and shearing forces [24]. Jun 1, 2013 · The pericellular matrix as sensor and effector of mechanical signals. Feb 1, 2016 · Top panels: Herein, in the OA cartilage, enhanced immunoreactions of laminin-α1, notably within the pericellular matrix of chondrocyte clusters, were detected. Previous studies suggest that the mechanical properties of the PCM, relative to those of the chondrocyte and the extracellular matrix (ECM), may significantly influence the stress–strain, physicochemical, and fluid-flow Objective: We have shown previously that cutting or loading articular cartilage resulted in a fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) dependent activation of the extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK), and induction of a number of chondrocyte regulatory proteins including tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 3. Triple-helical type II collagen associates with type XI and type IX collagen (not shown) to form fibrils that extend through the territorial and interterritorial matrices of cartilage, ascending vertically from the Apr 2, 2021 · The chondrocyte is in immediate contact with the pericellular matrix of the chondron, which acts as a mechanocoupler, transmitting external applied loads from the ECM to the chondrocyte. A voluminous polymer coat adorns the surface of many eukaryotic cells. Oct 1, 2014 · Due to the avascular nature of adult articular cartilage, the immediate pericellular environment of the chondrocytes appears to play a critical role in regulating cell activity. . Within the cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM), chondrocytes are surrounded by a unique matrix region termed the pericellular matrix (PCM) 9. Nov 3, 2014 · The chondrocyte is surrounded by a pericellular matrix (PCM), together forming the chondron. A typical chondron consists of a chondrocyte and the immediate surrounding pericellular matrix (PCM). This massive cellular organelle negotiates the cell’s interaction with surrounding tissue, influencing important processes such as cell adhesion, mitosis, locomotion, molecular The biomechanical role of the chondrocyte pericellular matrix in articular cartilage. In this study, we measured the Young’s modulus of the PCM The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a region of tissue that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage and together with the enclosed cells is termed the chondron. , 1993, Robert and Labat-Robert, 2000, Svoboda, 1998). The biomechanical role of the chondrocyte pericellular matrix in articular cartilage. osteoarthritis Understanding (OA) provides invaluable pathogenesis information in of the search of therapeutic disease-modifying OA drugs. In this study, we discovered that decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, is a key determinant of cartilage pericellular matrix micromechanics and chondrocyte Aug 29, 2019 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a specialized, hydrated gel-like layer of extracellular matrix (ECM) that is located at the interface between the cell membrane and interstitial ECM. Because the PCM surrounds each cell, any biochemical or biophysical signal the chondrocyte perceives is likely to be influenced, and potentially regulated, by the properties of the PCM 10 . Bottom panels: The same was seen for laminin-α5. Acta Biomater. Mar 1, 2005 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow region of cartilaginous tissue that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage. Currently, chondrocytes isolated without a PCM are the preferred choice for cartilage tissue engineering 1998). While a progressive structural and functional degradation of the extracellular (ECM) and pericellular (PCM) matrix occurs in osteoarthritic cartilage, these processes have not yet been biomechanically Apr 1, 2005 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a narrow region of cartilaginous tissue that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage. INTRODUCTION This study was designed to quantify the role of the pericellular matrix (PCM) in chondrocyte apoptosis using chondrons, which are a cartilage functional unit including a chondrocyte and Jan 1, 2008 · It is recognized that the pericellular matrix can regulate the chondrocytic phenotype (Larson et al. Sep 20, 2018 · Matrix vesicles were found embedded within the capsular weave and distributed throughout the territorial matrix. Feb 1, 2008 · Though more common in drosophila, examples of LNCP matrix can be found in human tissues as well, including placenta, specifically the foetus-mother interface [32], chondrocyte pericellular matrix Jul 7, 2020 · The pericellular matrix (PCM) of cartilage is a structurally distinctive microdomain surrounding each chondrocyte, and is pivotal for cell homeostasis and cell-matrix interactions in healthy tissue. This is the first study to quantitate and profile the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of the pericellular matrix (PCM) of chondrons and chondrocytes using the highly sensitive technique; fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The main components of PCM are similar to ECM, both of which contain proteoglycans and collagen fibers, but their contents in PCM are significantly higher than those in ECM. Thus, it is imperative to discern the micromechanobiological functions of the pericellular matrix, the ~ 2-4 µm-thick domain that is in immediate contact with chondrocytes. The mechano-regulation of chondrocyte metabolism in tissue engineering gel scaffolds depends partly on the cell’s environment and the development stage of the newly synthesized, cell-associated pericellular matrix (PCM)(Buschmann et al. 2 Influence of the Pericellular Matrix on Chondrocyte Stress and Strain The presence of the pericellular matrix (PCM) resulted in an approximate 20% increase in the cell-averaged maximum principal strains in reserve zone locations 2, 3 and 4 and in a 10–12% decrease in cell-averaged hydrostatic pressure. In the last ten years, several ion channels, pumps or exchangers have been identified in the cell membrane of chondrocytes and shown to have important Jun 1, 2003 · In articular cartilage, chondrocytes are surrounded by a pericellular matrix (PCM), which together with the chondrocyte have been termed the "chondron. The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a region of tissue that surrounds chondrocytes in articular cartilage and together with the enclosed cells is termed the chondron. pk ry re cn kc eh hy td pi tm