The effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on the osteoinductive potential of allogenic demineralized bone matrix.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the ability of allogenic demineralized bone matrix (DBM) to induce bone formation in rabbit intramuscular positions. Materials and methods: Nine New Zealand rabbits were used. Allogenic DBM was produced from bones of 3 healthy rabbits. After blood collection, 0.5cm3 of autologous PRP was prepared for 6 animals. Then, 2 muscle pockets were created, where 250 mg allogenic DBM + PRP (experimental sites) and 250 mg allogenic DBM without PRP (control sites) were randomly implanted. Animals were sacrificed 6 weeks after implantation. Results: Histologic examination revealed uneventful healing in all cases, while remineralization at the periphery of the bone graft particles was a constant finding. In both control and experimental sites fibroblasts andother mesenchymal cells (probably osteoprogenitorcells and preosteoblasts) were observed. The only histological difference was the richer vascularity in the experimental sites. Parameters associated with the breakdown degree of the graft and the production of newly-formed connective tissue were measured and calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding the above parameters. Conclusions: When combined with allogenic DBM, autologous PRP does not enhance the osteoinductive process in rabbit intramuscular sites compaired to the allograft alone, at 6 weeks of observation.