Effects of bone morphogenetic protein on neonatal rat calvarial osteoblast-like cells: an in vitro study

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are factors that promote osteoblastic differentiation and osteogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the behavior of neonatal rat calvarial osteoblast cells cultured on different concentrations of BMP graft materials. Fifty thousand cells per milliliter were seeded and cultured on graft materials for 24 and 48 h. Different concentrations of BMPs (combination of BMPs numbered from 1 to 14) were supplemented to the medium. To evaluate cellular proliferation and differentiation, specimens were examined for DNA synthesis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cell numbers, and viability of the cells. Further, transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were investigated. Morphological appearance of the specimens at 24 and 48 h of incubation was evaluated using scanning electron microcopy. Evaluations of DNA synthesis, cell count, and cell viability data revealed that a significant difference existed at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). The TGF-beta(1) and ALP analysis showed only a significant difference between the groups at the end of 24 h (p < 0.05). Regarding the lactate dehydrogenase activity there was not any significant difference at 24 and 48 h (p > 0.05). No morphological differences were observed in cell morphology on BMP graft material and the control group. These results indicate that BMPs have an inductive effect on osteoblast differentiation and a possible inhibitory effect in the early phases of cell proliferation.