Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproductive capacity of condylar chondrocytes and the factors that influence that capacity. Methods: Condylar chondrocytes of six rabbits were cultured in vitro. The cloning efficiency of the condylar chondrocytes and their growth curves were investigated in different experimental groups. Results: The number of condylar chondrocytes decreased, and the growth curve descended after the condylar chondrocytes were stimulated by recombinant human interleukin-I for 4 hours. The number of condylar chondrocytes decreased slightly in the first 48 hours, and then increased slightly after stimulation by recombinant human interleukin-1 and dexamethasone for 4 hours. The number of condylar chondrocytes increased, and their growth curve elevated after stimulation by dexamethasone alone for 4 hours. Conclusion: Recombinant human interleukin-1 inhibits the reproductive capacity of condylar chondrocytes, and dexamethasone promotes the reproduction of condylar chondrocytes.