Bone regeneration using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in alveolar defects of primate mandibles

The efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) for bone reconstruction has been widely studied in numerous animal experiments, but insufficient information exists about its ability to regenerate bone in primates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) on bone formation in alveolar bone defects in the mandibles of young primates. Marginal bone defects were created in the mandibles of nine 5-year-old rhesus monkeys and rhBMP-2 permeated in a polylactic-co-glycolic acid-coated gelatin sponge (PGS) was implanted into the bone defects. The resected bone treated with rhBMP-2 regenerated completely at 12 weeks postoperatively, and remodelling and consolidation of new bone were seen histologically. This study provides evidence of considerable bone regeneration in alveolar defects after surgical implantation of rhBMP-2 in non-human primates. This technique may be an effective alternative to autogenous bone grafts for reconstructive surgery in clinical practice.