Heat tolerance of activity toward ectopic bone formation by rabbit bone matrix protein

The 4 M guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl)-soluble bone matrix proteins which contained bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) were found capable of inducing ectopic bone and cartilage formation in mammals. This osteogenic capacity was resistant to high temperatures and mild heating actually increased the amount of bone induced, with a maximum occurring at 70 degrees C. The osteogenic potential was preserved after heating at 170 degrees C for 10 min or 140 degrees C for 30 min.