Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhances experimental laryngotracheal reconstruction in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
Bone morphogenetic protein-2 offers potential benefits for cartilage regeneration. We investigated the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on the regeneration of laryngeal cartilage and respiratory epithelium in a rabbit model.


METHODS
We used a cricoid defect rabbit model. Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups. Two groups were treated with 5 microg of rhBMP-2 delivered on an absorbable collagen sponge and the other two groups were used as controls. One group of treated rabbits and one group of control rabbits were euthanized 1 week after surgery, while the others were euthanized 4 weeks after surgery. The healing pattern of the laryngeal wound was evaluated by means of histomorphometry.


RESULTS
Regeneration of both the epithelial layer and cartilage was significantly better in rabbits treated with rhBMP-2. Four weeks after surgery, the cricoid cartilage defect was completely repaired by new cartilage and new bone in rabbits treated with rhBMP-2. Furthermore, the lining respiratory epithelium healed more rapidly in treated rabbits.


CONCLUSIONS
rhBMP-2, delivered via an absorbable collagen sponge, induces complete regeneration and repair of rabbit cricoid cartilage defects. It also induces faster relining and regeneration of airway epithelium than in control rabbits.
Tcacencu
Ion
I
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden. tcacencu@yahoo.co.uk
Carlsöö
Bengt
B
Stierna
Pontus
P
D000818:Animals; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D011817:Rabbits; D011897:Random Allocation; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D012038:Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
C525718:BMP2 protein, human; D055396:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta