The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility of the acellular dermal matrix (ADM) as a barrier membrane for bone regeneration, and to evaluate the osteogenic effect of ADM as a carrier system for rhBMP-2 in the rat calvarial defect model.

An 8-mm, calvarial, critical-size osteotomy defect was created in each of 60 male Spraque-Dawley rats(weight 250~300g). Three groups of 20 animals, each received either rhBMP-2(0.025mg/ml) in an ADM carrier, ADM only, or negative surgical control. And each group was divided into 2- and 8-weeks healing intervals. The groups were evaluated by histologic and histomorphometric parameters(10 animals/group/healing intervals).

Data were expressed as means±standard deviations(m±SD). Comparisons between experimental and control groups were made using two-way ANOVA and post hoc t-test. Comparisons between 2 weeks and 8 weeks were made using paired t-test. The level of statistical difference was defined as P< 0.05.

The ADM group and rhBMP-2/ADM group results in enhanced local bone formation in the rat calvarial defect at both 2 and 8 weeks. The amount of defect closure and new bone formation were significantly greater in the rhBMP-2/ADM group relative to ADM group(P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the majority of ADM in the defect was contracted, and integrated with surrounding host tissues. In addition, host cell infiltration and neovascularization of the ADM in the absence of an inflammatory response were observed, and the newly formed bone around ADM showed a continuous remodeling and consolidation.

The results of the present study indicated that ADM may be used as a barrier membrane for bone regeneration and that may be employed as a delivery system for BMPs.