Objective: The aim of the current study was to determine whether a hydroxyapatite (HA)/beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) ratio of 20/80 impregnated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) enhances new bone formation and to evaluate the dose-dependent response of rhBMP-2.
Study design: Critical-sized calvarial defects were made in rats, and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) with different rhBMP-2 doses was loaded into rat calvarial defects. The animals were allowed to heal for either 2 or 8 weeks.
Results: The percentages of new bone after 2 and 8 weeks of healing were significantly greater in the rhBMP-2-treated groups (at all doses) than in the control groups. The percentage of remaining BCP was significantly lower at 8 weeks than at 2 weeks in all groups that included BCP.
Conclusions: rhBMP-2 administered using a BCP carrier significantly induces new bone formation. A dose-dependent response was not shown in the present study.
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