Regenerating marrow induces systemic increase in osteo- and chondrogenesis.

Marrow ablation in long bones induces an increase in osteogenesis in distant skeletal sites. To test the role of marrow regeneration in this phenomenon, rat mandibular condyles were evaluated histomorphometrically during postablation healing of tibial marrow and after inhibition of healing. Ten days after removal of tibial marrow all bone formation parameters in the condylar subchondral bone were markedly elevated, indicating an enhanced osteoblastic activity. The thickness of the cartilaginous zone of calcification was also augmented. These changes were absent when postablation healing was inhibited in the tibia and after massive liver injury. Extensive periosteal injury induced only a slight increase in osteoblast activity. Except for a fall on day 7, the [methyl-3H]thymidine labeling index in the condylar cartilage and oral mucosa remained at control levels 3-18 days after ablation. These findings imply that stimulation of cell proliferation has only a secondary role in the skeletal response to marrow ablation. It is concluded that the systemic increase in osteogenesis occurs preferentially during marrow regeneration and is not a nonspecific skeletal reaction to tissue injury. Apparently, the systemic osteogenic response is mediated by circulating factors produced by the healing marrow; conceptually it is related to other instances where local repair in extraskeletal sites is accompanied by generalized alterations in respective tissues.