Abstract

Purpose: The development of a microvascularization is important for the homeostasis of normal bone. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important factors in vessel formation. The purpose of this study was to examine VEGF-related autocrine growth in periostealderived cells. Materials and methods: Periosteal-derived cells were obtained from mandibular periosteums and introduced into the cell culture. After passage 3, the periosteal-derived cells were further cultured for 21 days in an osteogenic inductive culture medium containing dexamethasone, ascorbic acid, and β-glycerophosphate. Results: The expression of four VEGF isoforms and VEGFRs was observed in periosteal-derived cells. Treatment with cultures with VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 Kinase Inhibitor inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of periosteal-derived cells. In addition, exogenous VEGF treatment increased calcium content in the periosteal-derived cells. Conclusion: These results suggest that VEGF might act as an autocrine growth molecule during osteoblastic differentiation of cultured human periosteal-derived cells.