Immunohistochemical distribution of fibromodulin during periodontal wound healing in rats

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate temporal and spatial localization of fibromodulin during periodontal wound healing in rat models . Methods: Periodontal bone defects were created around the molars of adult Lewis rats . Samples were taken on 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after surgery. Immunohistochemical analysis of the healing tissues were carried out. Results: In the periodontal wound model, fibromodulin was present in the fibres around the alveolar bone defects at day 1, stained strongly in migrating gingival epithelial cells and newly formed fibres in granulation tissue at day 3, stained less strongly in gingival cells and fibrillar bundles near wound sites at day 7, expressed strongly in the principal fibres near wound areas and stained osteoid and osteoblasts moderately at day 14. Conclusions: Fibromodulin may be involved in the early attachment formation of the tissue in periodontal wound models. It may influence fibrillogenesis by binding to collagens. (Supported by a Fellowship from NHMRC of Australia ID199925 and an Early Career Research Grant from the University of Queensland).