Abstract
We have previously reported that apatite cement enhance the differentiation of human osteoblasts. In this investigation, apatite cement and sintered apatite were immersed in simulated body fluid and cell culture medium to understand the factor, which may relate to the cells’ differentiation. We found calcium and phosphate ions in the cell culture medium decreased significantly when apatite cement was immersed in the medium even though the concentration was relatively constant when sintered apatite was immersed in the medium. Although the detailed mechanism has not been clarified, quick formation of bone like apatite may relate to the enhanced differentiation of osteoblasts.
