Application of mesenchymal stem cell combining with bone morphogenic protein to improve spine interbody fusion

[Objective]To study the feasibility of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and bone morphogenic protein(BMP)for improving spine interbody fusion.[Method]Nine adult rabbits underwent lumbar L3、4 and L4、5 and L5、6 discectomy and interbody fusion via an anterior retroperitoneal approach.Three fusion sites in each animal were randomly assigned to four treatments:composite of MSCs and BMP and fibrin gel(Group A),composite of MSCs and fibrin gel(Group B),composite of BMP and fibrin gel(Group C),fibrin gel alone(Group D).The interbody were observed radiologically and histologically at 3 months after operation.[Result]The bone formation in Group A was significantly greater than that of the other groups,histological examination showed bone formation was continued.The Group B and the Group C showed equivalent radiological and histologically change,Bone formation was intermittent.Group D had fibrous union,without bone formation.[Conclusion]The results indicate that the composite of MSCs,fibrin gel and BMP can enhance bone regeneration and achieve osseous spinal fusion.