Early alveolar bone regeneration in rats after topical administration of simvastatin

Objectives. The aim of this study was to ultrastructurally examine the influence of simvastatin on bone healing in surgically created defects in rat mandibles. Study design. Bone defects 0.8 mm in diameter were created in the buccal aspect of first mandibular molar roots and filled with 2.5% simvastatin gel, while the controls were allowed to heal spontaneously. The rats were humanely killed 7, 9, 11, or 14 days postoperatively, and the specimens were processed for scanning and transmission electron microscopy, as well as for colloidal gold immunolabeling of osteopontin. Results. The regenerated alveolar bone in the simvastatin-treated defects presented smaller marrow spaces, and the collagen fibrils were regularly packed exhibiting a lamellar bone aspect. Osteopontin was present through the bone matrix during the wound healing and alveolar bone regeneration. Conclusion. The present study provides evidence that a single topical application of 2.5% simvastatin gel improves the quality of the new bone and decreases bone resorption. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 112: 170-179)