Primate dentine extracellular matrix induces bone differentiation in heterotopic sites of the baboon (Papio ursinus).

In rodents, demineralized dentine matrix induces local differentiation of endochondral bone. This study investigated the osteoinductive potential of primate dentine matrices when implanted extraskeletally in allogeneic recipients. Demineralized dentine cylinders prepared from adult baboon incisors and demineralized dentine matrix pulverized to a particle size of 74-420 microns were implanted into the rectus abdominis of 4 subadult male baboons (Papio ursinus). Specimens were harvested 30 and 90 d after implantation. Histological analysis on serial sections showed bone differentiation in demineralized dentine cylinders after partial resorption of the external demineralized layer, and in resorption lacunae and excavation chambers within the matrix. Implants of demineralized dentine matrix of 74-420 microns particle size showed no osteoinductive activity as determined biochemically (alkaline phosphatase activity) and histologically. The demonstration of bone induction by primate dentine prepared from fully erupted tooth matrix suggests that putative osteogenic proteins may be conserved after dentinogenesis and embryonic tooth development, and may play a role during healing after surface demineralization of exposed root surfaces during regenerative procedures in humans.