The Culture of Rat Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and Their Osteogenesis in Vitro

Objective To study osteogenic capability of rat marrow stromal cells in vitro and to find out an ideal source of seed cells for bone tissue engineering. Methods Bone marrow cells were isolated from four-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured in DMEM medium. The growth status of all cultured cells was observed continually on a phase-contrast microscope and a scanning electron microscope, and the capacity of mineralization was detected with calcifying-nodule staining and X-ray energy spectrum analysis. Results Cultured cells grew anchoring in fusiform or multi-angulation shape, and there were no contact inhibition in cells in conditioned medium. Cells grew in multi-layer and formed calcifying nodules in accordance with osteoblasts. ALP staining and mineralized nodules staining were positive. The main elements of nodules included calcium and phosphorus by X-ray energy spectrum analysis. Conclusion The cultured cells from rat bone marrow shows osteoblastic characteristics in shape and can form calcified nodule in vitro.