Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) and transforming growth factor βSUB>1/SUB>(TGF-βSUB>1/SUB>) to repair full-thickness defects of articular cartilage in rabbits, so to give an reference for articular cartilage repairing. Methods Eight healthy rabbits of 6-month-old were divided randomly into 2 groups, full-thickness defects of 3mm in diameter and 2mm in depth were created over the articular surface of both the femoral condoles by operation. All animals were sacrificed after 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks postoperatively after the injections, and the defects were examined grossly and microscopically. Results Gross observation showed that on the twelfth week, in the group of T，collagen sponge was absorbed completely, but the repair tissue had not covered the defection and damage area completely. In the group of T, the tissue of the defection and damage area had been repaired better. Under light microscope, by twelfth week, in the group of C，the surface of the defection and damage area was not leveled off. The fiber cells trended toward cartilage cell surface. In the group of T, there were many new cell groups, cartilage film had basic repaired. Under scanning electron microscope, in C group and by 12th week the cartilage cells were in great quantities as they propagated and located inside the nest of T group. The fiber outside the cell was bulky. Conclusion TGF-βSUB>1/SUB> combined with BMP-2 can effectively promote the repair of defection and damage of

Key words: Transforming growth factor βSUB>1/SUB>, Bone morphogenic protein-2, Articular cartilage defect, Repair, Gross observation, Transmission electron microscopy, Rabbit