[Osteocalcin and type I collagen mRNA expression of rat marrow stromal cells under induction condition].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate osteocalcin and type I collagen mRNA expression of rat marrow stromal cells under induction condition. METHODS: Cultured rat marrow stromal cells were induced by osteogenic compound(composed of dexamethasone 10(-3) mol/L, beta glyceralphosphate 10 mmol/L, ascorbic acid 50 micrograms/ml). Osteocalcin and type I collagen mRNA expression were measured using RT-PCR technique. RESULTS: It was found that rat marrow stromal cells in induced group have an increased time-dependent expression of osteocalcin and type I collagen mRNA, in comparison with control groups. And the necessity of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in induced osteocalcin mRNA expression was confirmed. CONCLUSION: The cultured rat marrow stromal cells kept the undifferentiated state and had osteogenic potential testified by increased osteocalcin and type I collagen mRNA expression when induced.