• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.198-206
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• 2009

Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess the in vitro co-culturing pattern of isolated skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) with a mixed demineralized bone (DMB) and fibrin glue scaffold and to evaluate in vivo osteogenesis after transplantation of autogenous SKPs with a these mixed scaffold in the animal's mandibular defects. Materials and Methods: We isolated SKPs from the ears of adult 4 miniature pigs. The isolated SKPs were co-cultured with a mixed DMB and fibrin glue scaffold in a non-osteogenic medium for 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Histological characteristics of in vitro co-cultured cells and scaffold were evaluated. $1{\times}10^7\;cells/100\;{\mu}l$ of autogenous porcine SKPs were grafted into the mandibular defects with a DMB and fibrin glue scaffold. In the control sites, only a scaffold was grafted, without SKPs. After two animals each were euthanized at 2 and 4 weeks after grafting, the in vivo osteogenesis was evaluated with histolomorphometric and osteocalcin immunohistochemical studies. Results: Homogeneously shaped skin-derived cells were isolated from porcine ear skin after 3 or 4 weeks of primary culture. In vitro osteogenic differentiation of SKPs was observed after co-culturing with a DMB and fibrin glue scaffold in a non-osteogenic medium. Von Kossa-positive bone minerals were also noted in the co-cultured medium at 4 weeks. As the culture time progressed, the number of observable cells increased. Trabecular new bone formation and osteocalcin expression were more pronounced in the SKP-grafted group compared to the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that autogenous SKP grafting with a DMB and fibrin glue scaffold can serve as a useful alternative to bone grafting technique.