Objective To evaluate the biocompatibility of a new bone matrix material (NBM) composed of both organic and inorganic materials for bone tissue engineering. Methods Osteoblasts combined with NBM in vitro were cultured. The morphological characteristics was observed; cell proliferation, protein content and basic alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity were measured. NBM combined with osteoblasts were implanted into the skeletal muscles of rabbits and the osteogenic potential of NBM was evaluated through contraat microscope, scanning electromicroscope and histological examination. In vitro osteoblasts could attach and proliferate well in the NBM, secreting lots of extracellular matrix; NBM did not cause the inhibition of proliferation and ALP activity of osteoblasts. While in vivo experiment of the NBM with osteoblasts showed that a large number of lymphacytes and phagocytes invading into the inner of the material in the rabbit skeletalmuscle were seen after 4 weeks of implantation and that no new bone formation was observed after 8 weeks. Conclusion This biocompat ibility difference between in vitro and in vivo may be due to the immunogenity of NBM which causes cellular immuno reaction so as to destroy the osteogenic environment. The immunoreaction between the host and the organic-inorganic composite materials in tissue engineering should be paid more attention to.
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of xenotransplantation rejection and the interaction between the immunocytes. METHODS: This review concluded the research achievements and new advances in xenotransplantation based on the relevant experimental data. RESULTS: Transgenic pig technology and novel immunosuppressants were applied to suppress hyperacute rejection and acute vascular rejection respectively. Modulation of T cell and antigen presenting cells and induction of tolerance were taken for the prevention of acute cellular rejection. CONCLUSION: In general, the technology of transgenic pig is relatively mature and effective. The mechanism and prevention of acute vascular rejection and acute cellular rejection should be further investigated.