Effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 on Tendon-Bone Integration in an In Vitro Cell Culture

摘要

The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on tendon-bone integration in a bovine in vitro cell culture. Seventy-two bovine tendons were cultivated over 3 months. The effects of BMP-2 were evaluated by generation in 4 subgroups. The groups differed in 2 parameters: the application of BMP-2 and the application of primary bovine osteoblasts. Results were analyzed biochemically by determining alkaline phosphatase activity and histologic tendon calcification, both markers for graft incorporation. Histological analysis demonstrated a positive effect of BMP-2 on the production of extracellular matrix and therefore the induction of osteogenesis. In addition, the results showed a superior cell ingrowth on the tendon in the BMP-2-stimulated groups. Calcium carbonate-like structures and organized ossification zones could only be detected in the BMP-2-stimulated tendons.