Effect of enamel matrix derivative on the formation of type III collagen during early wound healing of periodontal defects in rats

Abstract

We created periodontal defects on the palatal roots of rat maxillary first molars in order to examine the relation between Enamel Matrix Derivative(EMD) and type III collagen. EMD was applied on the defect which was created by removing bone after reflecting a gingival flap.
     The animals were euthanized at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after the surgical operation. The periodontal defects were then observed using the reticular silver impregnation technique and immunohistochemistry for type III collagen.
     Application of EMD induced formation of eosinophilic substances in the clot of the periodontal defects. lt inhibited epithelial growth on the defect and precipitated production of type III collagen and cell growth. The type III collagen created a scaffold for migration of capillaries and cells. Findings on the fifth day after surgery when EMD had been applied were similar to those on the seventh day when EMD had not been used. These results suggest that EMD promotes periodontal regeneration and wound healing by enhancing collagen formation and suppressing epithelial growth.