Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of implanting a self-designed reusable double-cavity bone harvest chamber into Guizhou mini-pigs for observation of the osteogenic effect of human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (hBMP-2) gene-activated nano bone putty on bone in growth. METHODS: Eight healthy 12-month-old female Guizhou mini-pigs were used for the present experiment. In the first operation, empty double-cavity bone harvest chambers (n = 8) were implanted into the femoral metaphysis of the animals as a blank control group. In the second operation, the femoral metaphyses were implanted with the chambers filled by the nano bone putty+hBMP-2 plasmid in one cavity and nothing in the other cavity, respectively (experiment group, n = 8). The time interval between every operation was 3 months. The cavity materials were retrieved and replaced for assessment by gross observation, histological examination, and bone morphology metrology analysis to compare osteogenesis ability and alkaline phosphatase. RESULTS: Three months after surgery, the nano bone putty+hBMP-2 plasmid in one cavity of the chambers had hard gray and white tissues inside, while the cavities pre-installed with nothing were filled with soft brown tissues. Light microscopy showed new generated bone tissue around the filled material, but only fibrous tissues in the empty cavities. Osteogenesis ability and alkaline phosphatase of the nano bone putty+hBMP-2 plasmid group were significantly higher than those of the blank control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The reusable double-cavity bone harvest chamber can be used to observe the osteogenic potential of the hBMP-2 gene-activated nano bone putty.