Demineralized Bone Matrix-stimulated Bone Regeneration in Rats Enhanced by an Angiogenic Dipeptide Derivate.

A lysyl-proline derivate (LP) known to stimulate angiogenesis and formation of granulation tissue was tested as a local additive to allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM) using a rat craniotomy model. Peracetic-acid sterilized DBM (10 mg/defect) was implanted into three groups of 45 animals each with 0, 6 and 20 microg LP. Subsequent evaluation was done by descriptive histology, histomorphometry, and determination of the calcium content of the explants 7, 14, 28, 42 and 84 days post-implantation. Grafting with DBM alone resulted in defect bridging by newly formed bone with incorporated DBM residues on day 84. Addition of LP to the implants caused an enhanced capillarization on day 14 and 28 as well as an enhanced mineralization on day 14, 28, 42 and 84. Both effects were dose-dependent. These data suggest that the local application of a synthetic angiogenic factor significantly improve bone regeneration in DBM-grafted trephine defects in rats. Thereby, they reinforce the opinion that early angiogenesis is crucial for a number of subsequent events in the bone regeneration process.