The present invention provides defined serum-free cell culture media useful in culturing fibroblasts, especially articular chondrocytes, that avoid problems inherent in the use of serum-containing media. The defined media comprise platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), chemically defined lipids, oncostatin M (OSM), interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), or combinations of these compounds. In another aspect, the present invention also provides tissue culture methods that comprise incubating chondrocytes in the defined serum-free media. The methods enhance attachment and proliferative expansion of chondrocytes seeded at low density while maintaining their redifferentiation potential.
