Correlation between platelet-derived growth factor B chain and bone resorption in rat periapical lesions

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between platelet-derived growth factor B chain (PDGF-B) and bone resorption in rat periapical lesions. Periapical lesions were induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by occlusal exposure of the pulp of their mandibular first molars. Animals were sacrificed randomly at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the exposure, and frontal sections were prepared for immunohistochemistry and enzymehistochemistry. PDGF-B-positive cells and osteoclasts could be observed on day 7. From day 7 to day 14, the number of PDGF-B-positive cells and osteoclasts were ascending, and a significant correlation was found between them; from day 21 to day 28, more PDGF-B-positive cells and fewer osteoclasts could be observed, and the positive expression of PDGF-B was negatively correlated with osteoclasts. These findings showed that PDGF-B could be observed, which might be associated with the bone resorption of periapical lesions.