Abstract
Distraction osteogenesis is a well-established clinical treatment for limb length discrepancy and skeletal deformities. In our previous studies, we have shown that the tension at the distraction gap correlated with the plasma bone specific alkaline phosphatase activity during distraction. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been shown to have a regulatory role in alkaline phosphatase activity during fracture healing. This study is to investigate the expression of TGF-β1 during distraction as a biological response to mechanically stimulated osteoblastic activity by immunohistochemistry. The expression of TGF-β1 in the distraction callus was compared with that in the fracture callus. During the distraction phase, the osteoblasts and osteocytes expressed a high level of TGF-β1. Moderate expression of TGF-β1 was observed in fibroblast-like cells in the fibrous zone of the distraction callus. After the distraction stopped, the expression of TGF-β1 in different cell types decreased. In fracture healing, the strong expression of TGF-β1 declined after the first week. Our results showed that the mechanical force induced and sustained TGF-β1 expression in osteoblasts and fibroblasts-like cells of the distraction callus. Transforming growth factor-β1 may play a role in transducing mechanical stimulation to biological tissue during in distraction osteogenesis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
