Synergistic Effect of Nerve Growth Factor on Ectopic Bone Formation Induced by Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 / 上海第二医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the bone induction of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) through local application of NGF in the osteoinductive process of BMP. Methods Thirty-six ICR mice were divided into the experimental group and control group at random, and rhBMP-2/collagen composite was implanted into the right thigh muscle pouch of each group. NGF or vehicle was daily injected into the implanted sites of BMP, respectively, for 7 days starting from the third day after surgery. At d10, d20 and d30 after implantation, new bone formation was measured radiographically, biochemically and histologically to compare the osteogenetic capacity of the two groups. Results In both groups, new bone formation was found at d10. However, there was significantly more new bone in the experimental group according to histological and radiographic examinations. At d10 and d20, alkaline phosphatase activity of the local tissue in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group, and calcium and phosphonium contents of samples were also greater in the experimental group. Arrangement of collagen fibers became more regular in the experimental group than that in the control group. Conclusion NGF possesses synergistic effect on ectopic bone formation induced by rhBMP-2.