Abstract:

Objective To explore the expression of hepatocyte growth factor(HGF) mRNA  in the course of distraction osteogenesis(DO). MethodsForty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups: the distraction group and the control group. In the distraction group， the stretch rate was set as 0.5mm/12h after a 7-day interval and was fixed for 7days. The control group was free of distraction and four animals of each group were sacrificed at the end of week 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 after  operations. Expression of HGFmRNA was determined by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE staining) and in situ hybridization(ISH stain). Results HGFmRNA was mainly expressed in inflammatory cells at the end of the intermittent stage. Positive staining was seen at the end of the distraction stage in vascular endothelial cells and mesenchymal cells. The peak intensity of expression was found at the end of week 3 in the distraction group (P＜0.05) and there was little expression at week 7. No remarkable differences were found between the two groups at the end of the fixation(P＞0.05). Conclusions The present study shows that endogenous HGF may play an important role on cell proliferation, differentiation and vessel formation. Positive expression of HGFmRNA appears in the course of DO and that could be induced by distraction force.

Key words: Hepatocyte growth factor； Distraction osteogenesis； In situ hybridization； Messenger RNA