Osteogenic potential of rabbit dermal fibroblasts cultured in vitro: a scanning electron microscopic study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate further into the osteogenic potential of rabbit dermal fibroblasts with scanning electron microscope. METHODS: Split-thickness rabbit skin was processed into small chips that were cultured in vitro and then subjected to scanning electron microscopic study. RESULTS: The fibroblasts swam out from the skin chips and they increased in number rapidly and became confluent. The cells exhibited squamous configuration, possessing arboreal bifurcation and forming multi-layer structure. The fibroblasts then excreted numerous minute granules, heaping up on and around the cells. Thenceforth emerged on the cell surface fine needle-like crystals, that agglomerated with the granules to form nodules. The fibroblasts orientated themselves in a radiating pattern around the large nodules. Neighboring nodules could be linked up into trabecular structures. CONCLUSIONS: Sequence of events of new bone formation by rabbit dermal fibroblasts cultured in vitro is fully depicted and confirmed.