Low oxygen tension may change the dependence of chondrocytes on exogenous carbohydrate sources. In this study, we have investigated whether glucosamine sulphate (GS) stimulates proteoglycan synthesis, the mRNA expression of aggrecan and of type II collagen, and UDP-sugar levels in bovine primary chondrocytes under a low oxygen (O(2)) atmosphere. Chondrocytes from bovine femoral condyles were cultivated with or without GS or sulphate at various concentrations in low- (5.5 mM) or high-glucose (25 mM) DMEM under either a 5% or 20% O(2) atmosphere for 2 or 8 days after isolation. The mRNA expression of aggrecan and type II collagen and the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription with polymerase chain reaction and a [(35)S]-sulphate incorporation assay, respectively. Aggrecan promoter activity was analysed by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Intracellular UDP-N-acetylhexosamines (UDP-HexN), UDP-glucuronic acid and UDP-hexoses were analysed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. A low (5%) O(2) atmosphere significantly increased GAG synthesis, mRNA expression of aggrecan and of type II collagen and aggrecan promoter activity in bovine primary chondrocytes. A high (1 mM) concentration of GS was required to increase the level of UDP-HexN. However, GS did not increase GAG synthesis, aggrecan promoter activity or mRNA expression of aggrecan and of type II collagen. Interestingly, a 5% O(2) atmosphere increased the level of UDP-HexN in 8-day cultures without GS treatment. Thus, exogenous GS does not change chondrocyte metabolism, whereas a 5% O(2) atmosphere stimulates extracellular matrix production in bovine primary chondrocytes. The balance of UDP-sugars is changed under a 5% O(2) atmosphere for longer culture periods.