ABSTRACT
The immune system is an active component of bone repair. Mast cells influence the recruitment of macrophages, osteoclasts and blood vessels into the repair tissue. We hypothesized that if mast cells and other immune cells are sensitized to recognize broken bone, they will mount an increased response to subsequent fractures that may be translated into enhanced healing. To test this, we created a bone defect on the left leg of anesthetized mice and 2 weeks later, a second one on the right leg. Bone repair in the right legs was then compared to control mice that underwent the creation of bilateral window bone defects at the same time. Mice were euthanized at 14 and 56 days. Mineralized tissue quantity and morphometric parameters were assessed using micro-CT and histology. The activity of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, vascular endothelial cells, mast cells, and macrophages was evaluated using histochemistry. Our main findings were (1) no significant differences in the amount of bone produced at 14- or 56 days post-operative between groups; (2) mice exposed to subsequent fractures showed significantly better bone morphometric parameters after 56 days post-operative; and (3) significant increases in the content of blood vessels, osteoclasts, and the number of macrophages in the subsequent fracture group. Our results provide strong evidence that a transient increase in the inflammatory state of a healing injury promotes faster bone remodelling and increased neo-angiogenesis. This phenomenon is also characterized by changes in mast cell and macrophage content that translate into more active recruitment of mesenchymal stromal cells.
