Animal models for preclinical assessment of bone morphogenetic proteins in the spine.
METHODS
A review of the rationale behind the use of animal models for the assessment of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the spine.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the underlying principles of animal experimentation in the context of bone morphogenetic proteins and the spine.


BACKGROUND
Animal models aid in the collection of important information regarding the precise mechanobiologic events that occur during spinal fusion healing. Reproducible spinal fusion models have been developed in several animal species, leading to experimentation in a controlled fashion. Reliable assessment of outcome measures for osseous healing, including histology and biomechanical testing, has made preclinical testing of innovative growth factors essential before the advance to clinical trials.


METHODS
These materials have initially gone through the "burden of proof" steps: proof of concept studies, feasibility studies, and efficacy studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Bone morphogenetic proteins have undergone extensive scrutiny in the preclinical arena. This article summarizes the evolution of animal experimentation with BMP including the background and future directions.
Spinal Surgical Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Harvinder S
HS
Sandhu
Safdar N
SN
Khan
D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D023421:Models, Animal; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins