Basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor reverse impaired ulcer healing of the rabbit oral mucosa

BACKGROUND: The therapies for refractory ulcers on the oral mucosa are symptomatic and very unsatisfactory. We hypothesized that application of growth factors might be able to achieve successful remission of the lesion. We evaluated the effects of systemic administration and topical application of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on impaired wound healing of ulcers in the rabbit gingiva. METHODS: Almost uniform round ulcers could be created on the gingiva of the rabbits by chemical injury with acetic acid. When the submandibular glands were removed or i.v. injection of cisplatin (CDDP) and peplomycin sulfate was performed before ulcer formation, healing of the ulcers took longer than in untreated rabbits. To ascertain whether or not human EGF and bFGF affect rabbit cells, we first examined the effects of EGF and bFGF on the proliferation of the cells derived from rabbit gingiva. We then applied EGF or bFGF in these impaired healing models. RESULTS: EGF and bFGF promoted proliferation of the fibroblasts, and EGF also promoted proliferation of the keratinocytes isolated from gingival tissue of rabbits in vitro. Systemic injections of EGF and bFGF in rabbits, which had their submandibular glands removed, and topical application of bFGF accelerated healing of ulcers created in rabbits injected with CDDP and peplomycin sulfate. The ability of bFGF to promote the healing of ulcers was much greater than that of EGF. CONCLUSION: Basic FGF may be effective for refractory oral mucosal lesions.     

Resin corrosion cast (Mercox) in experimental evaluation of small vessel anastomosis

This study focuses on obtaining more information about the site of anastomosis, with three-dimensional examination using methylmethacrylate resin (Mercox) corrosion casts. Seventy microvascular anastomoses were performed in Wistar albino rats, divided into two groups before sacrifice. In Group 1 (35), Mercox was injected into the vessels, whereas in Group 2 (35), the tissues were prepared without injecting Mercox. Both groups were compared under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM preparation in Group 1 was simple, easy, and artifacts were significantly minimized. The anastomotic site could be well appreciated in three-dimensional views. Clear negative imprints of the endothelial surface were achieved without any breakage in the Mercox corrosion cast, and it can be reliably used in the evaluation of small vessel anastomosis.     

The effect of autogenous costochondral grafts on temporomandibular joint fibrous and bony ankylosis: A preliminary experimental study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test the functional and histologic fate of costochondral grafts (CG) in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction for unilateral ankylosis in the sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five pure-bred adult Merino sheep were used. Ankylosis was induced by articular damage, disc removal, and placement of a bone graft. At 3 months, a gap arthroplasty was performed with a CG from the thirteenth rib. The sheep were sacrificed 3 months after CG reconstruction. The range of jaw movements were recorded at first operation, at lysis of ankylosis, and at sacrifice. The joints were examined radiologically, macroscopically, and histologically. RESULTS: All sheep showed a decrease in masticatory function, as shown by weight loss and decreased jaw opening, during the ankylosis period. On release, they regained weight and increased the range of jaw movement. Histologically, the joint space was filled with fibrous tissue. However, the partial spaces around the CG head were covered by fibrous tissue and/or fibrous cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that, when CGs are used with a gap arthroplasty in a fibrous and bony ankylosed TMJ, masticatory function is restored.