Osteogenic Stimulation and Identification of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rabbits

Objective: To observe the phenotype characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) during osteogenic stimulation and to identify the feasibility as the seed cells for tissue engineering of bone. Methods: Osteogenic medium (expansion medium with 10 mmol·L -1 dexamethasone,50 μg·L -1 ascorbic acid and 10 mmol·L -1 β glycerophosphate ) was used to stimulate MSCs into osteoblast like cells. The phenotype was examined with morphological method, and the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin were determined. Results: The osteogenic stimulated MSCs represented the morphological developent of osteoblast, phases of proliferation, aggregation, nodules and mineralization could be observed. These cells also represented osteoblast like cells functionally by an increased expression of ALP after one week of osteogenic stimulation, secretion of osteocalcin during the phase of nodules and formation of mineralized cellular nodes. Conclusion:MSCs after osteogenic stimulation show the phenotype characteristics of osteoblast, and can be used for the seed cells of tissue engineering of bone.