Periodontal regeneration by FGF-2 (bFGF) in primate models

We recently demonstrated that a topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2; bFGF) to alveolar bone defects in beagle dogs enhanced periodontal regeneration. The purpose of this study was further characterization of the biological effects of FGF-2 in non-human primates. Thirty-two inflamed furcation class II defects were surgically created in 4 male primates. The gelatinous carrier alone or the carrier containing 0.1 or 0.4% human recombinant FGF-2 was topically applied to the defects and compared with no treatment. Eight weeks after application, the periodontal regeneration in those defects was analyzed. In all FGF-2-treated sites, significant periodontal regeneration was dose-dependently observed in greater amounts than in the carrier-treated or non-treated sites. No instances of epithelial down-growth, ankylosis, or root resorption were observed in the FGF-2-treated sites. These results indicate that a topical application of FGF-2 can enhance considerable periodontal regeneration in surgically created furcation class II defects of non-human primates.