Alveolar ridge repair in a canine model using rhTGF-beta 1 with barrier membranes.

In both normal and membrane-assisted situations, healing events are modulated by the activity of endogenous protein molecules known as cytokines. Due to its mitogenic and chemotactic characteristics, the addition of rhTGF-beta 1 should increase the rate of osteogenesis or increase the potential for bone regeneration in oral osseous defects. This study evaluates the effects of an osteoconductive biodegradable matrix incorporating human recombinant transforming growth factor beta 1 (rhTGF-beta 1) in conjunction with barrier membranes on bone regeneration in canine alveolar ridge defects. A matrix of calcium carbonate and hydroxyethyl starch served as the carrier for test concentrations of 2.0 micrograms/0.8 ml and 20.0 micrograms/0.8 ml of rhTGF-beta 1. One surgically prepared site in each of 13 adult male fox-hounds received 1 of 4 experimental treatment regimens, with 6 sites utilizing barrier membranes. Four sites in each of 2 additional animals, two containing carrier matrix only and 2 with the additional barrier membrane, served as controls. Specimens were retrieved after 2 months of healing and processed for routine light microscopy. The quantity and composition of regenerated bone was examined. Analysis of variance revealed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.05) in the development of bone with the use of rhTGF-beta 1. Likewise, a statistically significant increase in regeneration was found in membrane-protected sites over nonmembrane-protected sites. No statistically significant difference was noted between the low and high dose treatments. The authors conclude that the use of rhTGF-beta 1 in conjunction with a barrier membrane greatly enhances bone regeneration in osseous oral defects.