Platelet-Rich Plasma Promotes Angiogenesis of Prefabricated Vascularized Bone Graft

PurposeThe objective was to assess the impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on angiogenesis and bone formation of tissue-engineered bone in the prefabricated stage.Materials and MethodsBoth thighs of New Zealand white rabbits were used as prefabricated vascularized bone grafts using a combination of bone mesenchymal stem cells and vascular bundles in a titanium cage filled with β-tricalcium phosphate ceramic. PRP was applied in the test group, and the same procedure was performed in the control group without the application of PRP. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks, delayed static bone scanning with technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate was performed before sacrifice, and the tissue-engineered bone samples were collected for immunohistochemical analysis using a monoclonal antibody against CD31 and histologic analysis.ResultsThe results showed superior angiogenesis in the PRP group compared with the control group at each time point as determined by bone scintigraphy and immunohistochemical examinations. The results of histologic analysis also showed that there was more bone formation in the PRP group than in the control group at each time point.ConclusionsThe application of autologous PRP was an effective strategy for increasing angiogenesis and bone formation in tissue-engineered bone and had potential significance for clinical applications.