SummaryThe osteoinductive capacity of canine demineralized bone matrix (DBM), implanted in epaxial muscle sites of athymic rats, was evaluated using calcium content and histomorphometry at two, four and six weeks after implantation. Results of this study confirm that DBM, derived from canine sources, does possess significant osteoinductive ability since histological examination revealed the presence of new cartilage, bone, or both, at 21/24 implantation sites. The osteogenesis induced by canine DBM continued as an active, cumulative process throughout the six week investigation period. The mean percentage of total induced osteogenic components including new, live cartilage, woven bone, lamellar bone and bone marrow cellular elements, was significantly greater after six weeks than after two weeks of implantation (p <0.01). Comparison of histomorphometric point counts at two, four and six weeks of implantation supported the conclusion that bone for mation as induced by canine DBM, proceeds primarily via an endochondral ossification pathway. Although the amount of calcium deposited in tissues harvested from DBM implanted sites tended to increase as implantation time lengthened, there was not a statistically significant correlation between calcium content and the level of osteogenic activity seen histologically (r = 0.32, p = 0.13).The osteoinductive capacity of canine demineralized bone matrix (DBM), implanted in ep-axial muscle sites of athymic rats, was evaluated using calcium content and histomorphometry at two, four and six weeks after implantation. Results of this investigation confirm that DBM, derived from canine sources, does possess significant osteo-inductive ability and that bone formation proceeds primarily via a pathway of endochondral ossification.

SummaryRecent studies suggest that local control of bone homeostatic and reparative mechanisms is most likely attributable to the interrelated function of a number of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and bone derived growth factors. While osteogenesis is believed to be initiated by BMP, bone growth factors are thought to play a role in the promotion and maintenance of the newly induced bone and in the regulation of normal bone remodeling and repair. An overview of the current literature pertaining to BMP and the various bone derived growth factors is presented.While osteogenesis is believed to be initiated by bone morphogenetic proteins, bone growth factors are thought to play a role in the maintenance of the newly induced bone and in the regulation of normal bone remodeling and repair. Current research suggests that, in the future, these substances may be used as systemic or locally administered adjuvant therapy in order to accelerate bone regeneration and fracture healing.