Evaluation of a Novell Alloplast for Osseous Regeneration in the Rat Calvarial Model

• Published in: Journal of periodontology (1970) 2003-07, Vol.74 (7), p.1023-1031
• Main Authors: Francis, Paul O., McPherson, James C., Cuenin, Michael F., Hokett, Steven D., Peacock, Mark E., Billman, Michael A., Sharawy, Mohamaed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal studies; bone regeneration; foreign bodies; growth factors, transforming; models, animal; wound healing
• ISSN: 0022-3492; 1943-3670
• DOI: 10.1902/jop.2003.74.7.1023

Background: Alloplasts are inert foreign bodies acting as osteoconductive space maintainers during osseous wound healing. They may also function as carriers for growth factors that are known to enhance neovascularization and osteoinduction; human recombinant transforming growth factor beta (rhTGF‐β1) is one such factor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate di‐vinyl styrene beads (DVSb) and rhTGF‐β1 effects on osseous regeneration in the rat calvaria critical‐sized defect model. Methods: Di‐vinyl styrene beads (DVSb) with and without rhTGF‐β1 were placed between membranes in a critical alsized defect in the rat (Rattus norvegicus) calvaria. Actual bone fill; percentage bone fill; bone formation rate (BFR); and mineralization at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postsurgery were measured using densitometry, histomorphometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vital staining with tetracycline‐HCI. Results: Mean radiographic density and percentage fill were statistically greater for DVSb treatment groups as compared with controls (P≤0.05). BFR was consistently between 3 and 7 µmper day for all groups; alloplast group BFR was significantly greater than controls or rhTGF‐β1 the groups at 6 weeks (P≤0.05); however, at 3 and 12 weeks, the control BFR was greater than treatment groups (P≤0.05). Membranes often collapsed and little bone fill or mineralization occurred in defects without DVSb. Mineralization appeared to occur adjacent to the allo‐plast by 12 weeks in the histologic and SEM sections. While DVSb fibrous attachment occurred in some specimens, there was no evidence of an inflammatory response. Conclusion: Di‐vinyl styrene beads, with or without rhTGF‐β1, significantly enhance bone regeneration in the rat calvaria defect model. J PeriodontoI 2003;74:1023‐1031.