SYNOPSIS
To obtain the basic information concerning time-sequential development of new bone in the same mouse, micro X-ray CT system was adopted. A cone beam type CT system, for small animals, enabled to extract three-dimensional (3D) images from the time point of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) implantation through 3-4 weeks postoperatively when usually new ossification could be observed histologically. The results obtained showed the process of new bone formation by BMP from 3D view-point. BMP initial contact area to tissue reflected the final shape of new bone, and this observation suggested the technical method to prepare the composite of BMP and scaffold.
Key words: BMP, microCT, osteoinductivity, Longitudinal observation