Reindeer BMP extract in the healing of critical-size bone defects in the radius of the rabbit

Background Native BMP extracts from reindeer effectively induce ectopic new bone formation in vivo, but their bone healing properties have not yet been evaluated. We investigated the effect of reindeer BMP extracts on the healing of long bone defects. Methods The implants tested contained 5 mg or 10 mg of unsterilized BMP extract from reindeer and 10 mg of gamma-sterilized BMP extract administered with collagen carrier (Lyostypt, B. Braun, Germany). 70 mu g of rhBMP-2 with collagen carrier (InductOs; Wyeth Europa) served as positive control, and collagen implants (Lyostypt) and untreated defects served as negative controls. New Zealand White rabbits with 1.5 cm of critical-size radius bone defects were used, with 8 weeks of follow-up. Results Radiographic analysis showed bone formation (BF) to be higher in all groups containing BMPs than in the untreated controls. BF was also higher in the rhBMP-2 group, and marginally higher in the group treated with 10 mg of unsterilized reindeer BMP extract (p = 0.06) as compared to the collagen controls. Bone union (BU) was better in the unsterilized BMP extract groups and rhBMP-2 group than in the untreated controls. BU was also better in the implants with 10 mg of unsterilized reindeer BMP extract and rhBMP-2 than in the collagen-treated implants. The mean area of new bone at the site of the defect proved to be higher in all implants containing BMP than in the untreated defects. It was also higher in the groups with 10 mg of unsterilized reindeer BMP extract and rhBMP-2 than in the collagen-treated controls. Mechanical tests showed torsional stiffness of the bones to be higher in the group with 10 mg of unsterilized BMP extract than in the collagen group. The mean cross-sectional bone area measured by pQCT densitometry was higher in the rhBMP-2 group than in the collagen group. The mean bone density at the defect area was higher in the group with 10 mg of unsterilized BMP than in the rhBMP-2 group. Interpretation We conclude that both reindeer BMP extract and rhBMP-2 induced improved healing of the rabbit radius bone defects at the doses used. Gamma sterilization of reindeer BMP extract reduced osteoinductivity slightly, but not significantly.