RESUMEN
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the Effect of recombinant adenovirus vectors containing human Bone morphogenetic proteins-2 (Ad-hBMP-2) on the for mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group, and control group and underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis. After 5 days latency, the distracters were activated at a speed of 0.5 mm every 12 hours for 7 days, then on the first day in the consolidation period, the distraction gaps of experimental group were injected with 0.2 ml Ad-hBMP2 10(12) pfu/L, while the animals of control group were injected with 0.2 ml Ad-EGFP 10(12) pfu/L. At the 7 th and 28 th day of consolidation period, specimens were obtained, X-ray and histomorphology were performed. The bone density and the quantity of new bone formation in the distraction gaps were observed and compared between the two groups at different consolidation period.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Ad-hBMP-2 treated specimens demonstrated an increased amount of new bone formation</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Adenovirally-mediated delivery of BMP-2 can locally increase bone deposition during DO, which may potentially shorten the consolidation period.</p>