Objective: To investigate the potential of human amniotic mesenchymal cells (hAMC) serving as seeding cells in bone tissue engineering.
Methods: hAMC were isolated and cultured. The third passage of hAMC was cultured in osteogenic induced media [DMEM supplemented with 10% (v/v) FBS, 0.1 mumol/L dexamethasone, 50 mg/L ascorbic acid and 10 mmol/L beta-glycerophosphate] for one week. Calcified nodules were shown by alizarin red staining and counted under light microscope. Immunofluorescence cytochemical staining was used to detect collagen I (COL I) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Expression of FasL was examined in the amnion and hAMC by immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry.
Results: After osteoblast differentiation, calcified nodules were formed, on the average 18 per well. hAMC in calcified nodules showed positive expression of COL I and ALP. FasL was detected positive both in cells contained in amnion and in hAMC.
Conclusion: hAMC are potential ideal candidates for seeding cells in bone tissue engineering.