ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This research aimed to investigate the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) in mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and to explore the mechanism by which PTH promotes DO.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A rabbit mandibular DO model was established. The rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The former were subcutaneously injected with different doses of PTH on alternate days, the latter was injected with normal saline every other day. Serum OPG levels were detected through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The OPG and RANKL expression levels in the DO-induced formation of a new bone tissue were examined through immunohistochemistry staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum OPG levels gradually increased during distraction. At the end of the stretch, the OPG expression in the experimental group was significantly stronger than that in the control group. As the fixed period was extended, the OPG expression in the new bone gradually decreased, but the RANKL expression increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intermittent subcutaneous PTH injection can upregulate the OPG expression and accelerate bone metabolism. Thus, this procedure promotes the early generation of a new bone in the mandible through DO.</p>