Figure 9.

Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of β‐ TCP + BMP s + hASC complexes implanted into nude mice for 4 weeks. (a) HE staining revealed eosinophilic bone‐like tissues in group III and group IV animals after 4‐weeks implantation, whereas there were no typical bone‐like structures in the control groups. (b) Masson's trichrome staining showed strong positive results in groups III and IV. Higher expression of collagen could be observed compared to the control groups. (c) Immunohistochemical staining showed higher expression of OC in groups III and IV compared to control groups. (I) β‐TCP only (blank control); (II) β‐TCP + hASCs; (III) β‐TCP + BMP‐2 + hASCs; (IV) β‐TCP + BMP‐2/7 + hASCs. hASCs, human adipose‐derived stem cells; β‐TCP, β‐tricalcium phosphate; BMP, bone morphogenetic protein.