Effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on bone induced by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.

We examined the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on the osteoinductive activity of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), 5mg of which was implanted into the calf muscle of rats using atelopeptide type I collagen as a carrier. Thirty Wistar rats were divided equally to be given HBO or act as controls. New bone formation was measured radiographically, biochemically, and histol ogically 3, 7, and 21 days after implantation. In both groups, new bone formation was found on day 21. However, there was significantly more new bone in the HBO group. In the HBO group, cartilage was present at the outer edge of the implanted material on day 7. On days 7 and 21, the local tissue alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium content in the HBO group were significantly greater than in the control group. These results suggest that HBO accelerated the activity and rate of osteoinduction by rhBM P-2. Copyright 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.