Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-1 in regenerated rabbit bone after mandibular osteodistraction / 华西口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinase-3 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, in remodeling phase of mandibular distraction osteogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bilateral mandibular osteotomies were performed in 8 mature rabbits. The mandibles were lengthened 6 mm using a custom-made distractor with a rate of 1 mm/d. All animals were killed in 4 weeks after completion of distraction. The distracted calluses were harvested and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry of MMP-3 and TIMP-1.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Elevated expression of both MMP-3 and TIMP-1 was found in the distracted calluses resulting from mandibular lengthening. Positive staining for MMP-3 was seen in the osteoblasts and osteocytes, and TIMP-1 was mainly localized in osteoblasts.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MMP-3 and TIMP-1 appear to play important roles in the remodeling of new bone created by mandibular distraction osteogenesis.</p>