Effect of local prostaglandin E2 on fracture callus in rabbits

We investigated the effect of local infusion with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in doses of 0.0003 to 4.0 mg/hour per kg body weight for 6 weeks on a plated unilateral osteotomy in rabbits. PGE2 caused a dose-dependent stimulation of callus formation. Total bone mineral content increased, although the mineral content per volume of the callus was reduced. In another experiment, PGE2 was infused either in the first half or in the second half of the healing period. No effect of PGE2 infusion could be observed in the first half of the 6-week healing period, whereas PGE2 infusion during the second half caused callus stimulation.