University of Michigan other research news

University researchers used a degradable matrix containing plasmid DNA to deliver the genes for bone growth factors directly to the site of a gap induced experimentally in bone. Bone morphogenic protein-4, or the 1-34 fragment of parathyroid hormone, or both, were used to see if healing could be induced to close a 5 mm gap in the femur of 14 rats. Such an amount of missing bone is normally not replaced in the animals. In rats implanted with one of the genes, new bone completely bridged the gap in nine weeks, while 3 rats receiving both genes bridged the gap in only four weeks. ...