Three-dimensional observation of reconstruction course of rabbit experimental mandibular defect with rhBMP-2 and atelocollagen gel

For the experimental animals, eight rabbits were chosen. A bone defect was made and was filled with 1% atelocollagen gel including rhBMP-2 10 mu g. The reconstruction course was observed using micro-computed tomography (mu CT in vivo. In mu CT observation, the density was slightly elevated at the bone marrow side at day 7, and the phenomenon gradually expanded during the course of this experiment which lasted for 28 days. By utilized mu CT, we could construct 3D images, and that process enabled us to visualize bone formation more closely. These data suggest that the experimental animal model mu CT and 3D image are extremely useful for follow-up of reconstruction of animal bone defects and that the atelocollagen gel is effective as a carrier of rhBMP-2.