The Effect of Mitomycin C(MMC) on Sinus Mucosal Openings in Rabbits

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This experimental study investigates the effect of mitomycin C(MMC) on the healing of sinus mucosal opening. METHODS: One hundred and twenty rabbits were used and divided into 8 groups of fifteen rabbits. A small(1.35 mm) or large(2.7 mm) diameter mucosal opening was created by drilling in the medial wall of the left maxillary sinus of rabbits and treated with MMC at a concentration of 0.2 or 2.0 mg/ml for 5 or 30 minutes. Five rabbits from each group were sacrificed at 1,2 & 4 weeks. The size of a remained mucosal opening was measured and light and electron microscopic examination were performed. RESULTS: After comparing the sizes of remained mucosal openings among the small opening groups(group 1,3 & 5), group 5 maintained larger opening at 2 weeks than the control group(P<0.05). Light microscopy of the specimens showed inflammatory and degenerative changes. The bone of the maxillary sinus exhibited minimal change induced by MMC. Scanning electron micrographs showed heterochromatin in nuclei and mitochondrial swelling of the epithelium. CONCLUSIONS: The MMC was effective in maintaining a larger mucosal opening than control group at least for 2 weeks following surgery.