Locally applied nerve growth factor enhances bone consolidation in a rabbit model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis.
Distraction osteogenesis is widely used in treating deformities, defects, and fractures of both long bones and craniofacial bones. Demands for acceleration of bone consolidation are increased in distraction osteogenesis. Nerve growth factor (NGF) can enhance innervation and bone regeneration in a fracture model and stimulate differentiation of osteoblastic cells. In this study, we tested the ability of locally applied NGF to enhance bone regeneration in a rabbit model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Twenty rabbits underwent bilateral distraction osteogenesis with a rate of 0.5 mm per 12 h. Two times 0.04 mg human NGFbeta (hNGFbeta) in buffer was injected into the callus after distraction. The contralateral side received placebo injections. Rabbits were euthanized at consolidation times of 14 and 28 days. Specimens were subjected to radiography, callus dimensions measurement, mechanical testing, and bone histological and histomorphometric analysis. The maximum load, bone volume/total volume, mineral apposition rate of the 1st to 11th day, and mineralized bone percentage were significantly higher in the hNGFbeta side at 14 and 28 days (p<0.05). The data indicate that locally applied hNGFbeta can accelerate callus maturation and may be an option to shorten the consolidation period in distraction osteogenesis.
Wang
Lei
L
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fourth Military Medical University, Chang Le Road 145, Xi'an, and No.537 Hospital of PLA, Baoji, P.R. China.
Zhou
Shuxia
S
Liu
Baolin
B
Lei
Delin
D
Zhao
Yinghua
Y
Lu
Chao
C
Tan
Aixing
A
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D020932:Nerve Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019857:Osteogenesis, Distraction / Q000379:methods*; D011817:Rabbits
D020932:Nerve Growth Factor