Abstract:
This study, in non-human primates (Papio ursinus), evaluated the healing potential
of recombinant human transforming growth factor-3 (rhTGF-3) when implanted
in exposed periodontal furcation defects either by direct application to the defect or
by transplantation of rhTGF-3-instigated heterotopic bone as source of
autogenous bone. Class II furcation defects were surgically created bilaterally in
the first and second molars of both the mandible and the maxilla of four clinically
healthy adult baboons. Simultaneously, autogenous bone was induced bilaterally
within the rectus abdominis muscle of the baboons using rhTGF-3. Forty days
later, the periodontal defects were implanted with rhTGF-3 in Matrigel® as
delivery system, or rhTGF-3 plus muscle tissue in Matrigel®, or with the
harvested rhTGF-3-induced autogenous bone. Sixty days after periodontal
implantation, the animals were euthanased and the molars harvested together with
the surrounding tissue. Histological analysis was performed by light microscopy
and digital imaging computer software. The extent of regeneration was assessed
by measuring area and volume of new alveolar bone, height of new alveolar bone
and height of new cementum. The results, compared to controls, showed
pronounced periodontal tissue regeneration in experimental defects. The most
noteworthy healing was observed in defects implanted with heterotopically
induced autogenous bone as well as those implanted with rhTGF-3 plus muscle
tissue. The findings of this study suggest that rhTGF-3 applied directly to a
defect, or rhTGF-3-induced autogenous bone, transplanted to a defect, have
significant regenerative capabilities in periodontal tissue regeneration of nonhuman
primates Papio ursinus.
