Expression of osteonectin on distraction osteogenesis in the rabbit mandible

ABSTRACT

Distraction osteogenesis has been thought to be promising technique for replacing bone graft in maxilla and mandible. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of osteonectin on distraction osteogenesis. Sixteen rabbits were used for this experiment. Osteotomy was performed between premolar and mental foramen. On the experimental group, distraction device was connected to the respective bone segments. On the control group, bone segments were fixed using plate and screws after osteotomy. Distraction was carried out at the rate of 0.7mm per day to obtain a 4.9mm elongation on the experimental group. After 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days two rabbits of each group were sacrificed. The results obtained from this study were as follow Experimental group was observed that the gaps between the distracted bone edges were occupied by new bone. Expression of Osteonectin were detected throughout the experiment in both groups and Expression of Osteonectin were markedly increased during distraction and consolidation period in experimental group than control group. From these results, it could be stated that distraction was shown to improve and accelerate bone formation and mechanical stress like distraction has considerable effects on osteonectin.