A new rat model for the study of mandibular distraction osteogenesis

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a form of in vivo tissue engineering whereby gradual separation of osteotomized bone edges results in spontaneous generation of viable bone. Through the use of large animal models, the histological and ultrastructural changes associated with alterations in distraction protocols have been extensively studied [1]. To date, however, the molecular mechanisms governing these changes remains essentially unknown. The elucidation of these mechanisms have been limited, to a large part, due to the lack of molecular reagents for large animals (e.g. specific gene sequences). The purpose of these experiments was therefore, to develop a rat model of mandibular DO since such a model has the advantages of lowered costs, increased numbers, and most importantly, widely available molecular reagents.