Local application of basic fibroblast growth factor into the bone increases bone mass at the applied site in rabbits

The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) applied locally into the bone under physiological conditions was investigated. An aqueous solution containing 0 microgram (vehicle), 100 micrograms or 400 micrograms recombinant human bFGF was percutaneously applied through a needle into the right ilium in rabbit, and the ilia were harvested 4 weeks after the application. Compared with vehicle-treated animals, bone mineral density measured by dualenergy X-ray increased in the 400 micrograms bFGF group. The width of trabeculae in the bFGF-treated groups was greater than in the vehicle group. These results showed that bFGF applied locally into the bone under physiological conditions affected bone formation, and suggested that such an application might have potential for increasing bone.