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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
A Mouse Distraction Osteogenesis Model
Published on: November 14, 2018
Growth factor expression following clinical mandibular distraction osteogenesis in humans and its comparison with
Christine Knabe1, Sean Nicklin, Yan Yu
1Department of Experimental Dentistry, Charité - University Medical Centre Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Germany. christine.knabe@charite.de
Aim:
Lengthening the mandible by distraction osteogenesis (DO) is nowadays a well recognized technique in maxillofacial surgery. In this study growth factor expression profiles were examined in biopsies taken from six patients undergoing mandibular DO and compared with findings from a sheep model for mandibular DO.
Study Design:
In all patients (and sheep), the ascending ramus was distracted 10-15 mm at a rate of 1mm/day using an intraoral device. Biopsies were taken from the centre of the distraction zone 21 days after completion of distraction. Using standard immunohistochemical techniques, samples were stained for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bone morphogenetic proteins-2, -4 and -7 (BMP-2, -4, -7), matrix metalloproteinases-1 and -3 (MMP-1, -3), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a marker for endothelial cells (CD-31) and type IV collagen (Col IV).
Results:
Positive staining for PDGF, bFGF, TGF-beta, BMP-2, -4, and -7 was noted in cells and matrix components. There was intense staining for MMP-1. Strong staining for CD-31 and COL IV was observed adjacent to vessels. VEGF staining was less specific. Similar findings were noted in the sheep model.
Conclusion:
Growth factor expression in the human distraction site is similar to that in the sheep model.
