CULTURES OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC OSTEOBLASTS - A NEW IN-VITRO MODEL FOR BIOCOMPATIBILITY STUDIES

Cell populations derived from human embryonic bone were isolated accor ding to the ability of osteoblasts to migrate from bone onto glass fra gments. Morphologic and biochemical assays showed (1) osteoblast-like appearance; (2) elevated alkaline phosphatase 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 responsiv e activity associated with plasma membranes and matrix vesicles; (3) p roduction of a thick extracellular matrix, mainly composed of Type I c ollagen, which mineralized in the presence of 10 mM beta-glycerophosph ate; and (4) higher growth rate and viability when compared with their mature counterpart. Cultures of embryonic cells were challenged with particles of several biomaterials, and their effects on morphology, vi tality, and osteogenic capacity of the cultured cells were tested. Sta inless steel, titanium alloy, Co-Cr-Mo alloy (vitallium), carbon fiber -reinforced polybutylene terephtalate, ultra-high molecular weight pol yethylene, ceramic, calcium phosphate, and hydroxyapatite did not exer t any significant deleterious effects on the cultured human osteoblast s.