Proliferation and differentiation of cultured MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts on surface-layer modified hydroxyapatite ceramic with acid and heat treatments.

Effects of functionally gradient calcium phosphate consisting of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts were evaluated using MC3T3-E1 cells. There were no significant differences in the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells among HAP-alpha-TCP functionally gradient calcium phosphate, pure HAP, and cell culture plastic wells. mRNA expressions of type I collagen, alkaline phosphate, and osteocalcine were evaluated as indexes of initial; mid-stage, and late-stage osteoblastic differentiation.