[The effects of apoptosis during fracture healing].
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the occurrence and significance of apoptosis during fracture healing of the mandible.


METHODS
An experimental model of fracture was established to detect apoptosis in the different stages of healing by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method.


RESULTS
Apoptosis was observed in the whole healing process. The apoptotic cells markedly increased in the stage of intramembranous bone formation (5d) and chondrogenesis (11d).


CONCLUSIONS
Apoptosis is involved in fracture healing. The number of cells was controlled and the useless cells were eliminated by means of apoptosis. This process is helpful to the healing of tissues.
Research Institute of Stomatology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200011, China.
X H
XH
Si
Y
Y
Jin
L J
LJ
Yang