ABSTRACT
The purpose of this experiment was to examine the histological changes and the pattern of expression of type I, II collagen in the elongated area by distraction osteogenesis in the rabbit mandible. Sixteen rabbits weighing 2.5kg-3kg were used for this experiment. Experimental group was distracted at the rate of 0.7mm, twice/day for 7days, and control group was only osteotomized. After 5 days latency, osteotomic site is distracted for 7days. Consolidation period is 28days. The animal was sacrificed at the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th day after the operation. The distracted bone was examined by histological analysis and RT-PCR analysis. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Experimental group was observed that the gaps between the distracted bone edges were occupied by new bone. 2. Expression of Type I collagen were detected throughout the experiment in both groups and Expression of Type I collagen were markedly increased during distraction and consolidation period in experimental group than control group. 3. Expression of Type II collagen were detected throughout the experiment in both groups and expression of Type II collagen were maintained at high level during distraction and consolidation period in experimental group than control group. From these results, in contrast to type II collagen, type I collagen seemed to be more expressed by mechanical stimuli during distraction and consolidation period. The predominent mechanism of new bone formation in the distraction gap was intramembranous bone formation, but some of the regenerated bone was formed by endochondral ossification.