Transformation of fibroblasts by allogeneic and xenogeneic transplants of demineralized tooth and bone.

Xenogeneic transplants of powdered, dehydrated, demineralized matrix of bone and tooth were well tolerated in three species of rodents. Differences between the species were found in competence of fibroblasts to be transformed into cartilage and bone in vivo by these preparations. Rat fibroblasts were most susceptible to transformation of this sort; they were transformed by demineralized dentin of guinea pig, mouse, and rat, and to a limited extent, by a specimen of decalcified human bone.