Critical size defect regeneration by rhPTH-collagen membrane as a new tissue engineering tool

Recombinant Human Parathyroid Hormone (rhPTH 1–34) administration is an effective treatment to improve bone mass in osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to develop a Tissue Engeenering Tool for bone regeneration. We evaluated the efficacy of a freeze dried rhPTH membrane in calvarial critical size defect (CSD). Forty‐four Wistar female rats (body weight 150 ± 50 g) with CSD (5 mm) were divided into four groups: group 1: rhPTH membrane (rhPTHm); group 2: atelocollagen membrane (Cm); group 3: rhPTH and atelocollagen I (CrhPTHm); group 4: without any treatment (CG). All samples were evaluated on the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks (weeks) post‐surgery by soft X‐ray, histological and histometric studies. Soft X‐ray results showed a radiolucent image with many irregular radiopaque areas. Histologically, rhPTHm was replaced by reticular bone (7%) since 3rd week, and lamellar bone ossicles (30%) at 6th week. Cm showed bone formation like composite bone type on week 1st, 3rd, and 6th (2%, 44%, and 41%, respectively). With CrhPTHm, bone formation was observed in all periods (2.4%, 48%, and 53%), showing statistical difference with CG in the 3rd and 6th wks (p = 0.03 and 0.01). Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of a new biomaterial called CrhPTHm because its ability to regenerate calvarial CSD. Moreover, the membrane represents a new local intermittent delivery system allowing rhPTH slow release. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 4358–4364, 2014.