Differentiation and matrix mineralization of alveolar bone cells <i>in vitro</i>.

<p>Increased alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity (top left, purple stain) was noted following 1 week of cell culturing in osteogenic medium, as compared to a minimal AP activity detected in control medium (top right). During 2–3 weeks of differentiation in osteogenic medium, strong deposition (middle left, black deposits) or weaker deposition of mineralized matrix (bottom) was detected by von Kossa staining. No mineralized deposits were detected in control cultures (medium right). Images include representative samples. Insets show comparative BMSC cultures in osteogenic and control media. Scale bar (for all images): 50 μm.