Influence of enamel matrix derivative on early healing events in rat periodontal defects

Abstract

We evaluated early healing at the dentin-gingival tissue interface in rat periodontal defects after the application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD). Palatal dehiscence defects were surgically created on the bilateral maxillary first molars in fifty rats. EMD was applied to cover both sides of the denuded dentin surfaces in the experimental group, and none was applied in the control group. Rats were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after surgery, and biopsies of the tooth, gingiva and bone were examined with light and electron microscopy.
After one day numerous neutrophils had infiltrated around the EMD. By three days macrophages were prominent and fibroblasts could be identified in the vicinity of the macrophages. At 7 and 14 days the granulation tissue adjoining the dentin surface was more cell-rich than in the control group. Furthermore, odontoclasts were observed in all of the specimens at 14 days in the experimental group. These findings indicate that macrophages, which appear in the very initial stage of healing following the application of EMD, play an essential role in the proliferation of fibroblasts and the appearance of odontoclasts. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2003 Mar; 66(1): 9-24.