[Distribution and effectiveness of endogenic bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in bone defect]

BMP is one of important factors in the pathophysiology of bone regeneration. Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were used in this experiment. We studied the distribution and effectiveness of endogenic BMP on a 10 mm bone defect of radius, by utilizing immunohistochemistry of BMP and quantitative computer imaging system. On the 3rd day, death of osteocytes and BMP positive blood clot were observed. The mesenchymal cells from periosteum and endoosteum, and osteoblast were also BMP positive. By quantitative study, we found there was a gradient distribution of BMP in bone defect, i.e, the value of BMP decreased gradually along the distance from the fracture ends. The maximal value of BMP was noted at the 1st week postoperation. In conclusion, two sources of endogenic BMP were found, one was from the absorption of necrotic tissue of fracture ends, the other was from the secretion of osteogenic mesenchymal cells during the process of bone regeneration. Nonunion of bone defect was caused in part by the gradient distribution of BMP. Accordingly, the concept of effective quantity of endogenic BMP was drawn rosen. It might be a new method in the treatment of bone defect by increasing the concentration of endogenic BMP and improving its distribution.