[Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor during mandibular distraction osteogenesis in rabbits].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the distracted callus during mandibular osteodistraction.


METHODS
Bilateral mandibular osteotomies were performed in 12 rabbits. 3 rabbits were sacrificed respectively at 0, 7, 14 and 28 days after completion of distraction. The newly formed calluses were harvested and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry of VEGF.


RESULTS
Intense angiogenesis was observed in the regenerated callus after mandibular lengthening, and positive staining for VEGF was mainly noted in vascular endothelial cells and the active osteoblasts.


CONCLUSIONS
Mechanical strain created by distraction led to angiogenesis in distraction gap. VEGF may play a critical role in angiogenesis and subsequent osteogenesis during mandibular lengthening.
Tang
Jie
J
Huaxi School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Hu
Jing
J
Wang
Zhi-guo
ZG
Gao
Zhan-wei
ZW
Li
Ji-hua
JH
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction; D011817:Rabbits; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A