Bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs) contain mesenchymal stem cells that are capable of forming various mesenchymal tissues. We hypothesized that BMSCs and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composites would promote the remodeling of large-sized autologous devitalized bone grafts; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the composites on the remodeling of autologous devitalized bone grafts. Autologous BMSCs cultured in culture medium containing dexamethasone (10(-7) M) were loaded into porous β-TCP granules under low-pressure. Theses BMSC/TCP composites were put into the bone marrow cavity of autologous heat-treated bone (femoral diaphysis, 65-mm long, 100°C, 30 min) and put back to the harvest site. In the contralateral side, β-TCP without BMSC were used in the same manner as the opposite side as the control. Treatment with the BMSC/TCP composites resulted in a significant increase in thickness, bone mineral density, and matured bone volume of the cortical bone at the center of the graft compared to the control. Histological analysis showed matured regenerated bone in the BMSC loaded group. These results indicate that BMSC/TCP composites facilitated bone regeneration and maturation at the graft site of large-sized devitalized bone. This method could potentially be applied for clinical use in the reconstruction of large bone defects such as those associated with bone tumors.
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