RESUMO
PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the expression of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-1, in a rat calvarium defect model using particulate dentin and/or plaster of Paris, and correlate the bone regeneration process with the histologic events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each. A 1.0 cm-sized calvarial defects were made and the defect was filled with different graft materials as follows : Group A, the defects were filled with a mixture of particulate dentin and plaster of Paris with a 2:1 ratio; Group B, the defects were filled with plaster of Paris only; Group C, defects were filled with particulate dentin only; Group D, untreated control group. The animals were sacrificed by 1, 2, 4, 8 weeks after implantation. Excised wound tissues were processed for histology, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR for the analysis of TGF-1 expression. RESULTS: Gene expression of TGF-1 was detected for all experimental groups. The highest gene expression was observed in the specimen taken at the first week after implantation in Group A. According to the histologic and immunohistochemical studies, TGF- 1 positive osteoblast-like cells were found in the early stage of healing after the implantation of particulate dentin and plaster of Paris. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that TGF-1 may be related to new bone formation at the early healing process after the implantation of particulate dentin and plaster of Paris.