Bone morphogenetic protein 3b expressing reindeer antler

A cDNA sequence of bone morphogenetic protein 3b (BMP-3b) of reindeer antle r was produced with degenerative homology primers in polymerase chain react ion (PCR). An in situ hybridization study of BMP-3b mRNA in I-month-old ant ler showed expression in most differentiated cells in the antler center. In addition, the bone-inductive capacity of the reindeer antler matrix was ev aluated. Decalcified and powdered antler matrix of different stages of antl er maturity was implanted in gelatin capsules under the rat dorsal muscle f ascia for two implantation periods: 3 and 8 weeks. Allogenic matrix prepare d from rat long bones was used as a positive control implant. Heterotopic o ssification was evaluated histomorphometrically and densitometrically. Allo genic bone matrix induced rapid osteogenesis and mineral accumulation. Both endochondral and intramembranous ossification was evident, endochondral os sification being the dominant form. Mineral density in the induced ossicle was 115 +/- 48 mg/cm(3) as early as at 3 weeks and 350 +/- 69 mg/cm(3) at 8 weeks. The proportional areas of von Kossa-stained mineral were 3.67 +/- 2 .1% and 11.6 +/- 0.07%, respectively. The antler preparations induced miner alization, but significantly less than the allogenic bone matrix. At 8 week s, mineral density was significantly lower in the cast antler preparation t han in the allogenic implants. The morphology of the mineralized areas of t he antler preparations showed no ossification. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.