Immunohistochemical localization of bone morphogenetic protein-2 in the oral and maxillofacial area of the human embryo.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) expression in oral and maxillofacial tissue of the human embryo. A human embryo was obtained from a patient with hysterorrhexis. The oral and maxillofacial area of the embryo was analyzed immunohistochemically using specific antibodies to BMP-2. BMP-2 was found mainly localized in developing teeth buds, jaw bone, striated and smooth muscle, spinal cord and nasal tracheal and oesophagal epithelium. However, it was not found in hair follicles. These findings are similar to those of BMP-2 and -4 gene expression in mouse and rat embryos. BMP-2 may be involved in the morphogenesis of oral and maxillofacial tissue in human embryos as well as those of other animals. These results will be of considerable benefit in the restoration and regeneration of the oral and maxillofacial tissue clinically. Copyright 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.