Immunohistochemical study for the expression of BMP-2/4 on the healing process in the mandibular bone defect of rat

ABSTRACT

Bone morphogenetic protein-2/4 are members of Transforming Growth Factor-beta(TGF-beta) superfamily and they may induce formation of cartilage and bone in vivo. This study was performed to investigate the cellular target and period of action of BMP-2/4 and understanding of actions of BMP-2/4 at cellular level. The appearance of BMP-2/4 during healing of mandibular and periodontal defect in rat was evaluated immunohistochemically. 40 Sprague-Dawley strain white male rats, each weighing about 300gm were used. Bony defect was performed in the mandible and they were sacrificed at the day of 3rd, 10th, 20th, 30th after operation. The specimens were harvested and examined histologically and immunohistochemically by localization of anti-BMP-2/4. The results were as follows 1. Woven bone was observed at 10th day and perfect healing of defect with compact bone and periodontal ligment space at 30th day. 2. Osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblastic cells and periosteum were positive reaction to immunohistochemical stain at 10th day. 3. Cells of bone marrow space and surface cells of osteocytes and cementoblasts were positive reaction to immunohistochemical stain at 20th day. 4. Newly formed osteocytes and cementocytes were positive reaction to immunohistochemical stain at 30th day. From the above findings, we could conclude that BMP-2/4 acted significant roles as factors of induction, proliferation and differentiation during bone healing process.