2013 Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 57-66
In this study, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP), to determine their effects on bone regeneration in mini-pig calvarial defects, which have similar bone regeneration rates as humans. MSCs were harvested from Clawn mini-pigs and cultured for 2 weeks using osseo-induction medium. MSCs were mixed with PRP and PPP as graft materials. Graft materials were transplanted into mini-pig calvarial defects created for 8, 12 and 18 weeks. By micro CT analysis, the volumetric density of new bone in the PRP + MSC and PPP + MSC groups were larger than that of the control group after 12 and 18 weeks transplantation, with the PRP + MSC group being the highest after 18 weeks. Histological analysis showed and new bone formation that was continuous along the original bone was observed in the PRP + MSC and PPP + MSC groups. This study demonstrated that the combination of PRP, PPP and MSCs were sufficiently adaptable for treating bone defects in mini-pigs.
