ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)on cranial suture under mechanical strain in growing goats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>10 growing goats were used in this study. A customized distractor was used for distraction of the coronal suture at a rate of 0.4 mm/day for 8 days. The experimental group(5 goats) was injected with autologous MSCs into the distracted region, whereas the control group (5 goats) with injection of physiological saline. All animals were killed at 4 weeks after the end of distraction. Scanning electron microscopy and histological analysis were taken to observe the samples.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>4 weeks after the end of distraction, the cranial sutures in all animals were separated successfully. The new bone formation at the edge of suture in the experimental group was superior to that in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Autologous MSCs transplantation may promote the cranial suture distraction osteogenesis in the growing goats.</p>