Bovine Hydroxyapatite Induces Osteocalcin, Rank-L and Osteoprotegerin Expression in Rabbits

Material and Methods: Twenty four male rabbits underwent bilateral sinus lift procedures were distributed into two groups, according to the sinus filling material: Group 1) autogenous bone graft; and Group 2) bovine HA. All groups were sacrificed after 14 and 30 days, for microscopic and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results: At 14 days after surgery, discrete osteogenesis was observed in the highly vascularized granulation tissue surrounding HA particles, as well as woven bone deposition on the biomaterial surface. Following 30 days, well organized bone trabeculas were seen surrounding the HA granules presenting areas of osteogenic activity. Morphometric findings did not show remarkable differences between groups. Bovine HA induced similar osteocalcin, RANK-L, osteoprotegerin immunoexpressivity when compared to autogenous bone graft group for both periods evaluated in this setting.

Conclusion: Taken together, these data are consistent with the notion that HA has a similar biological behavior to autogenous bone graft in sinus lift of rabbits.