Revascularization of autogenous block grafts with or without an e-PTFE membrane.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the revascularization process of autogenous bone block grafts placed with or without an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane.


METHODS
Thirty Wistar male rats had their mandibles augmented by either an autogenous bone block graft (group A) or an autogenous bone block graft covered with an e-PTFE membrane (group B). The animals were sacrificed by perfusion at baseline, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery.


RESULTS
After 3 days, the presence of vascular sprouts derived from the recipient bed was observed in group A; more discrete sprouts were also observed in group B. After 7 days, revascularization continued, with vessels derived from both the recipient bed and the surrounding connective tissue in group A but only from the recipient bed in group B. At 14 days, group A showed penetration of vessels at the periphery of the graft; the vessels reached varying distances inside it. In group B, revascularization of the graft occurred mainly near its perforation, its borders, and at the recipient bed-graft interface. After 21 days, graft vascular penetration could be observed throughout the extent of the graft in group A but only approximately halfway through the graft in group B.


CONCLUSIONS
The results emphasized the importance of the vascular network and of the revascularization process of the autogenous bone graft in new bone formation. Early vascular penetration and nutrition of the graft are key factors in its integration with the recipient bed.


CONCLUSIONS
Revascularization of the bone graft occurred in both A and B. However, vascular sprouts originated only from the recipient bed in group A, while in group B the graft was penetrated by vessels from both the recipient bed and the surrounding connective tissue. The revascularization took place more promptly and was more intense and extensive in group A than in group B for all periods.
De Marco
Andréa C
AC
Division of Periodontics, Dental Branch, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. fvcdemarco@directnet.com.br
Jardini
Maria A N
MA
Lima
Luiz P A
LP
D000818:Animals; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods* / Q000502:physiology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000098:blood supply*; D048091:Guided Tissue Regeneration / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene