Experimental study of osteoinduction using a new material as a carrier for bone morphogenetic protein-2

We evaluated the usefulness of artificial collagen as a new carrier for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) by comparing it with that of atelopeptide collagen, which is derived from porcine skin, and which we have previously shown to be useful for the induction of bone. rhBMP-2 5μg with either atelopeptide collagen 3mg or artificial collagen 3mg was implanted into the calf muscle of 10-week-old Wistar rats (n=3 in each group). Three rats were given artificial collagen alone and acted as controls (n=3). Radiographic evaluation, histological analysis, and biochemical examinations were made on day 21 after implantation. Soft radiographs (wavelength 10-0.10nm) showed opaque shadows in both groups. Histological analysis showed that new bone had formed in both experimental groups. Endochondral ossification was found at the outermost edge of the implanted collagen in the atelopeptide group. However, there was less ossification in the implanted collagen in the artificial collagen group. On biochemical examination, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium concentrations in both experimental groups were higher than in the control group, and were higher in the atelopeptide group than in the artificial collagen group. Our results suggest that artificial collagen is useful as a carrier for rhBMP-2 designed to promote the formation of new bone.