Low-intensity interrupted negative pressure induces human marrow mesenchymal stem cells differentiating into osteoblasts

Objective: To investigate the effect of low-intensity interrupted negative pressure on the differentiation of human marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblast in vitro. Methods: MSCs were isolated from adult marrow using density gradient separation method, passage 3 cells were chosen to induce differentiation; the differentiation of MSCs was examined by phase-contrast microscopy, the determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, alizarin-red staining and the immunohistochemistry of type I collagen and osteoprotegerin. Results: MSCs showed a typical appearance of osteoblasts after 2 weeks' induction by low-intensity interrupted negative pressure, the activities of ALP were increased significantly, calcium nodes were seen by alizarin-red staining, the expressions of collagen type I and osteoprotegerin were positive. Conclusion: Low-intensity interrupted negative pressure could successfully induce human MSCs into osteoblasts and the induced cells show characteristics of osteoblasts.