Increase in the expression of the transmembrane surface receptor CD44v6 on chondrocytes in animals with osteoarthritis.

Objective: To evaluate the expression of CD44v6 on chondrocytes from hyaline cartilage over the course of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: In 12 NZW rabbits, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was resected to create anterior instability of the knee. In 12 control rabbits, only a sham operation, without resection of the ACL, was performed.