Objective. To examine the cartilage growthassociated effects of a disruption in the balance between the swelling pressure of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and the restraining function of the collagen network, by diminishing GAG content prior to culture using enzymatic treatment with chondroitinase ABC.Methods. Immature bovine articular cartilage explants from the superficial and middle layers were analyzed immediately or after incubation in serumsupplemented medium for 13 days. Other explants were treated with chondroitinase ABC to deplete tissue GAG and also either analyzed immediately or after incubation in serum-supplemented medium for 13 days. Treatment-and incubation-associated variations in tissue volume, contents of proteoglycan and collagen network components, and tensile mechanical properties were assessed.