The Evaluation Of Osseointegration Effect Of GL13K-peptide Coatings On Titanium Dental Implants In Rabbits

Objective:This pilot study aimed to evaluate the in vivo performance of G113K peptides coating of implants on osseointegration in the rabbit by micro-CT and histological analysis.Methods:Eleven male Japanese White Rabbits (4 months old and weighing 2.5 kg each) were recruited for this study. Twelve samples (3.75mm wide,7mm long) were randomized divided into two groups, with 6 implants in the experimental group coated with GL13K peptide,6 implants in the control group without any surface treatment. Either implants in the test or the control implant were randomly implanted in the femoral condyles bilaterally. Randomly on one side, each rabbit received a non-implant drill of the same size with implant to as positive control for the assessment of the natural healing process. After 3 weeks of healing radiographic evaluation and after 6 weeks of healing, rabbits were sacrificed for evaluation (digital radiography, micro CT and histology analysis). Measurement items of micro CT: 1)Trabecular Volume (TV); 2)Bone Volume (BV); 3)BV/TV; 4)Trabecular Number (Tb.N); Trabecular Thickness (Tb.Th); Trabecular Separation/Spacing (Tb.Sp); 5) Bone Surface (BS); 6) BS/BV. Measurement items of histology analysis: Mineralized bone area (BA). The implants would be located double blinded(for surgeon and histology/radiology researcher). Results:1.General ObservationsTwo rabbits died of wound infection on 2 weeks after operation. Other four rabbits survived after the six weeks of healing. The wounds were primary healing without suppuration and inflammation. There were also no implant loose.2. Radiography ObservationsIt showed good osseointegration in 3 and 6 weeks postoperatively.The natural healing process was normal.3. Micro-CT ObservationsAfter CT image reconstruction and analysis,it showed that there was no statistical difference(P>0.05) between implants coated with GL13K peptide and mplants without coating.4. HistomorphometryMineralized bone area calculated from the histologic sections was found to be no statistical difference(P>0.05) between implants coated with GL13K peptide and mplants without coating in osseointegration.Conclusion:This study proved that the G113K peptides would not effect the osseointegration of implant in vivo.