BACKGROUND:: Articular chondrocytes grow slowly and easily dedifferentiate in vitro. However, insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) can stimulate proliferation and differentiation of articular chondrocytes. OBJECTIVE:: To explore the sequential interaction of bFGF and IGF-1 on articular condrocytes culture. METHODS:: Articular chondrocytes was cultured using growth factors, single bFGF (10 ìg/L), single IGF-1 (100 mg/L), sequential bFGF and IGF-1 and were managed by MTT and immunocytochemical technique. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:: bFGF obviously promoted proliferation and dedifferentiation of articular chondrocytes in vitro. IGF-1 promoted proliferation of extracellar matrix and expression of chondrocyte phenotypes, but it failed to facilitate multiplication of chondrocytes. Sequential exertion of bFGF and IGF-1 in the culture medium can harvest abundant proliferative chondrocytes with ideal phenotypes in a limited period of culture time.Chen BB. Effect of growth factors on in vitro cultured articular chondrocytes.Zhongguo Zuzhi Gongcheng Yanjiu yu Linchuang Kangfu. 2010;14(46): 5868-8571. [http://www.crter.cn http://en.zglckf.com]