The effect of the atelocollagen matrix and bFGF on bone regeneration in defects of the calvaria of rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the atelocollagen matrix and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on bone regeneration in a bone defect of the calvaria. The subjects were 10-week-old male Wister rats weighing 350 g. Two kinds of atelocollagen matrices, which were either strongly cross-linked or weakly cross-linked, were placed in defects created in the rat cranium. Two doses of bFGF, either 30 μg or 50 μg, were injected into the weakly cross-linked atelocollagen matrix. Both the bone mineral content in the defects and the area of bone regeneration in the median sections of the defects were measured 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgical treatment. Our findings suggested that the weakly cross-linked atelocollagen matrix tends to demonstrate a scaffold of bone regeneration, and an appropriate dosage of bFGF may inhibit bone absorption to maintain the volume of the regenerated bone.