Extracellular bone matrix dependent local induction of cartilage and bone.

Implantation of demineralized bone matrix in extraskeletal sites results in induction of new cartilage and bone formation locally. The sequence of events during this induction is reminiscent of embryonic development. Although the precise molecular mechanisms are unknown, several biochemical features of the bone induction are described. The extracellular bone matrix has components with chemotactic, mitogenic, and differentiative activities. It is likely that a matrix-dependent sequential cascade regulates bone induction.