[Experimental studies of healing and antigenicity of sterilized bone transplants].
The aim of our study was to observe the incorporation and induced immune response of sterilized bone allografts. We performed an orthotopical tibial segment transplantation using two different inbred rat strains. We compared irradiated (25 kGy), autoclaved (134 degrees C) and cryopreserved (-80 degrees C) bone grafts. The observation took place 6 and 12 weeks post-operatively.


RESULTS
The incorporation of irradiated grafts took longer than cryopreserved transplants. Autoclaved grafts were not incorporated and only bridged by new callus formation. A cell-mediated immune response against the cryopreserved grafts could be demonstrated. Irradiated grafts induced a major immune response; autoclaved grafts did not.


CONCLUSIONS
There seems to be a correlation between loss of antigenicity and failure of graft incorporation. Therefore, it seems probable, that some bone antigenicity is necessary for the induction of cellular mechanisms during graft incorporation.
Schratt
H E
HE
Unfallchirurgische Klinik, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
Spyra
J L
JL
D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000276:immunology; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000276:immunology*; D015925:Cryopreservation; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000276:immunology; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013977:Tibia / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous