Osteogenesis by gradually expanding the interface between bone surface and periosteum enhanced by bone marrow stem cell administration in rabbits

ObjectiveWe investigated whether administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promotes bone formation at the gap created by periosteal distraction.Study designA mesh plate was placed subperiosteally in rabbit parietal bones. Following elevation of the mesh plate, rabbit MSCs were administered into the gap. Controls received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The volume, height, bone mineral density (BMD), and bone mineral content (BMC) of newly formed bone were examined using microcomputed tomography. Histological analysis was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry for type I collagen and osteocalcin.ResultsThe experimental group showed significantly increased volume, height, BMD, and BMC in newly formed bone tissues at the gaps compared with the control group (P < .05). The newly formed bone tissues showed both type I collagen and osteocalcin expression in the MSC-administration group.ConclusionMesenchymal stem cell administration may be useful to induce osteogenesis at sites of periosteal distraction.