THE EFFECT OF HYALURONIC ACID ON EXPRESSION OF EXTRACELLULAR MATRIX PROTEINS AND BONE FORMATION IN RABBIT MANDIBULAR DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS

Distraction osteogenesis is a new bone formation technique. There is a advantage of the environmental adaptation when distraction force is applied to the gap between osteotomy lines. But it has a disadvantage of long-term wearing of the appliance and long consolidation period. Therefore we make an effort to reduce it and repair normal function. Extracellular matrix proteins have a function to control the cellular growth, migration, shape and metabolism. In these, hyaluronic acid is a member ofpolysaccharide glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and has a important function as bone formation and osteoinduction property. Purpose : In this experimental study in rabbit mandibular distraction osteogenesis, we investigated the bone enhancing property of hyaluronic acid and the expression of extracellular proteins such as osteocalcin and osteonectin. Materials and Methods : The experimental study was carried out on 24 Korean male white rabbits (both mandibular body, n-48). Distraction group was divided to distraction experimental (A, n=16) and distraction control (B, n=16) by the application of hyaluronic acid (Hyman, LGCI, Seoul, Korea). Normal control group (C, n=16) was only osteotomized. After 5 days latency, distraction devices were activated at a rate of 1.4 mm per day (0.7 mm every 12hours) for 3.5 days. Animals were sacrificed at postoperative 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. H&E stain and immunohistochenical stain was done on decalcified section. Additionally RT-PCR analysis was done for the identification of the expression of osteocalcin and osteonectin. Results : The bone formation in distraction experimental group was much more than that in distraction and normal control group at postoperative 28 days. In immunohistochemical stain, osteocalcin was enhanced at only postoperative 14 days, but osteonectin was not different at each post-operation days. In RT-PCR analysis, osteocalcin was not different at each post-operation days, but osteonectin was strongly expressed in distraction experimental group at postoperative 7 days. The expression of osteocalcin and osteonectin was elevated during the healing period. Conclusion : We found the good bone formation ability of hyaluronic acid in distraction osteogenesis through the immunohistochemistry and RTPCR analysis to osteocalcin and osteonectin, known as a bone formation marker. The application of hyaluronic acid in distraction osteogenesis is a method to reduce the consolidation period.