Abstract In order to study the possibility of repairing bone defect by cryopreserved vascularized bone allograft, 8 dogs were divided into 2 groups. In the experimental group, 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a cryoprotective agent, the posterior segments of dog s rib, pedicled with intercostal vesseles, were cryopreserved by a two-step freezing procedure,stored in liquid nitrogen for 96 hours, and then transplanted as allografts to theiliac bone defects of recipients by vascular anastomosis. In the control group, the autografts were transplanted in the same procedure. Immunosuppersive agents were administrated postoperatively for 3 weeks. The specimens were analyzed by immune response monitoring (IL-2, T cell subsets), SPECT scanning, angiography and pathologic examination. The results showed that the allografts had good blood supply and active osteocyte metabolism, bone healing of the allografts was perfect at 3 months and no evidence of immunologic rejection. The process of bone healing of allografts should be further investigated.
