Objective To observe the expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) family in different zones of articular cartilage and preliminarily explore the effect of LOX family on the collage cross-linking of the articular cartilage. Methods Full-thickness cartilage explants were harvested from the medially patello-femoral groove of adult bovine animals. The cartilage explants consisted with the superficial zone,the transitional zone and the deep zone. RT-PCR was used to assess expression of LOX family in every zone of articular cartilage. Results The levels of LOX, LOXL2 and LOXL4 were descended from superficial zone to deep zone. No expressions of LOXL1 and LOXL3 were found in the cartilage. Conclusion Different expression of LOX family in different zones of articular cartilage may affect the configuration and the physiological and biochemical features of the collage in different zones.