Imageology and histology to characterize tissue engineering repair of bone defects in rabbits

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of imageology and histology in characterizing tissue engineering repair of bone defects in rabbits. Methods The autologous bone marrow stroma cells (BMSCs) were obtained from the rabbits and cultured in vitro. After proliferation, the cells were incubated together with true bone ceramic (TBC) for 1 week, which were then imbedded into the 12 mm defects to repair the radius. X-ray and computer tomography (CT) exams and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively for morphological observation before histological examination of the cells. Results After engineering repair, bone formation completed gradually and the defects of the bone were repaired. At 12 weeks postoperatively, X-ray and CT showed that the fracture lines disappeared completely, and the density of the engineering bone was similar to that of the normal radius. The smooth repaired bone grew into the normal radius. Histological examination showed regular arrangement of the mature bone trabecula and architecture, formation of the lamellar cortical bone. and partial degradation of the framework. Conclusion Combined application of radiography, CT, three-dimensional reconstruction and histology is a scientific and reliable method for characterization of tissue engineering repair of bone defects. Key words: Tissue engineering; Bone defect; Histology