Postnatal growth of the human septal cartilage. Preliminary report.

Growth activities in different areas of the human septal cartilage were determined by the extent of DNA synthesis and matrix synthesis in 20 patients aged 6 to 40 years. DNA synthesis measured by in vitro incorporation of 3H-labelled thymidine was markedly elevated in the anterior free end and the central area of the septum in all age groups. Matrix synthesis measured by in vitro incorporation of labelled sulphate into proteoglycans showed a comparable age-independent activity in the anterior free end, whereas in the suprapremaxillary area, matrix synthesis displayed its greatest activity during childhood, showing thereafter a continuous decline during puberty and adulthood. A similar age-dependent pattern in this area, though at a much lower level, could also be demonstrated for the extent in DNA synthesis.