ATDC5 cells were employed to examine how inorganic phosphate (Pi) influences chondrocytic bone formation. 1) Pi (3 - 30 mM) plus ascorbic acid (50 microg/ml) dose-dependently accelerated proliferative differentiation and mineralization of ATDC5. 2) Northern blot analysis revealed that 10 mM Pi suppressed expression of type II collagen and PTH (parathyroid hormone) / PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) receptor, while it accelerated type X collagen expression. 3) Pi (3 - 30 mM) dose-dependently increased luciferase activity in the cells transfected with 3000 bp type X collagen promoter fused to the luciferase gene. The results suggest a regulatory role of Pi in endochondral osteogenesis.