Objective: To discuss whether fibroblast-like cells can transform into osteoblasts under specific condition during distraction osteogenesis.
Methods: Fibroblast-like cells were cultured in vitro. BMP-2, TGF-beta(1), BMP-2 and TGF-beta(1) were added into the medium, and the cellular change were observed by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry methods. The distraction was given on the membrane of fibroblast-like cells, and the cellular change were observed under the distraction.
Results: fibroblast-like cells from the joint could transform into osteoblasts under the effect of BMP-2 or BMP-2 with TGF-beta(1). Fibroblast-like cells from other regions could not transform into osteoblasts.
Conclusion: The osteoblasts during distraction osteogenesis are multi-origin.