Non-invasive tri-modal visualisation via PET/SPECT/μCT of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 retention and associated bone regeneration : A proof of concept

• Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP's) are vital for bone and cartilage formation, where bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) is acknowledged as a growth factor in osteoblast differentiation. However, uncontrolled delivery may result in adverse clinical effects. In this study we investigated the possibility for longitudinal and non-invasive monitoring of implanted [125I]BMP-2 retention and its relation to ossification at the site of implantation. A unilateral critically sized femoral defect was produced in the left limb of rats while the right femur was retained intact as a paired reference control. The defect was filled with a hyaluronan hydrogel with 25% hydroxyapatite alone (carrier control; n = 2) or combined with a mixture of [125I]BMP-2 (150 μg/ml; n = 4). Bone formation was monitored using micro computed tomography (μCT) scans at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 weeks. The retention of [125I]BMP-2 was assessed with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and the bone healing process was followed with sodium fluoride (Na18F) using positron emission tomography (PET) at day 3 and at week 2, 4, and 6. A rapid burst release of [125I]BMP-2 was detected via SPECT. This was followed by a progressive increase in uptake levels of [18F]fluoride depicted by PET imaging that was confirmed as bone formation via μCT. We propose that this functional, non-invasive imaging method allows tri-modal visualisation of the release of BMP-2 and the following in vivo response. We suggest that the potential of this novel technique could be considered for preclinical evaluation of novel smart materials on bone regeneration.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Radiologi och bildbehandling (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Medical Imaging (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Bone morphogenetic protein 2

Bone tissue engineering

Hydrogel

Micro computed tomography

Positron emission tomography

Single-photon emission computed tomography

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