Experimental osteoinduction in rats: collagen-apatite versus osteogenin-containing gelatine.

An experimental study in rats was done to investigate the bone-regenerating properties of collagen apatite (Collapat) and to compare it with osteoinduction dependent on osteogenin-containing gelatine (OCG). The test substances were implanted orthotopically (calvarial defect--7 mm in diameter) and heterotopically (paravertebral muscles, abdominal muscles). The results were evaluated histologically and enzymatically (alkaline phosphatase). Collapat caused neither osteoinduction in the heterotopic site nor healing of the bone defects. Foreign body reaction without new bone formation was encountered. OCG implantation leads to new bone formation in the muscles within 3 weeks, associated with a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, and to extensive new bone formation in the calvarial defect within 4 weeks. The defects did not heal if left empty. The value of clinical application of Collapat appears to be doubtful. Osteoinduction with OCG requires further experimental investigation.