Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors in gel scaffold repair osteochondral defect in rabbit.

An attempt was made to improve osteochondral healing with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) along with certain growth factors. Induced knee osteochondral defects were filled as: phosphate buffer saline (group A); MSCs in collagen gel (group B); group B plus insulin like growth factor-1 (group C); group C plus transforming growth factor β-1 (group D). Gross and scanning electron microscopy showed superior morphology and surface architecture of the healed tissue in groups D and C. Histologically, group D revealed hyaline cartilage characteristic features followed in order by group C and group B. In all treatment groups, chondrogenic matrix, collagen () and were secreted. Combined use of MSCs and growth factors could accelerate osteochondral healing.