Background: The repair of segmental mandibular defects remains challenging in the clinic. Previous studies have shown that cryopreserved bone-derived osteoblasts (CBOs) have good proliferation and osteogenicity. However, whether these cells can be used in the repair of segmental mandibular defects is largely unknown.
Purpose: In this study, we applied CBOs combined with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to repair a segmental mandibular defect in canines and thus established the feasibility of using this type of tissue-bank cell for the repair of large bone defects in the future.
Material and methods: Sixteen segmental mandibular defects in 16 animals were made on the right side. Sequential radiographs, computer tomography, polychrome fluorescent labeling, immunohistochemical staining, and histological analysis were used to evaluate the effects of tissue-engineered bone for segmental mandibular defects.
Results: Our results demonstrated that CBOs combined with β-TCP promoted bone mineralization and deposition at the early stage, and bony union was achieved in the CBO and fresh bone-derived osteoblast (FBO) groups. However, nonunion and minimal callus were present in the β-TCP group. Furthermore, there was a large amount of newly formed bone in the CBO and FBO groups and in the autogenous bone group. Additionally, osteocalcin immunohistochemistry showed intensive osteocalcin immunoreactivity in the bone matrix of the CBO and FBO groups.
Conclusions: These data indicate that CBOs implanted in a scaffold can promote new bone formation, and this tissue-engineered bone can repair critically sized segmental mandibular defects in canines. The use of CBOs combined with β-TCP may be an effective approach for the reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects in the clinic.
Keywords: bone regeneration; cryopreserved bone-derived osteoblasts; segmental mandibular defect; tissue banking.
© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.