Histomorphometric Evaluation of the Effects of Zoledronic Acid on Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis in Rabbits

Purpose

To assess the effect of systemic administration of zoledronic acid (ZA) on mineralization of newly formed bone and to determine strain-related osteoporosis on surrounding bone during lengthening of immature rabbit mandible.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into 2 groups, and bone lengthening was carried out in the left portion of the mandible through distraction osteogenesis with a rate of 0.5 mm every 12 hours for 5 days. The experimental group was administered 0.1 mg/kg ZA intravenously. The control group was given saline infusion only during operation. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the 28-day consolidation period. The mandibles of all animals were removed and regenerate was evaluated. Osteoblasts, osteoclasts, collagen fibers, and fibroblasts were marked within 0.1-mm² area and newly formed bone area was measured within 0.5-mm² area. All data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Although irregular bone destruction spots were seen in the control group, the experimental group showed regular ossification areas and significant difference between osteoblast and osteoclast numbers (P < .05). In the regenerate zone, there was considerable difference between the 2 groups in terms of osteoblast, osteoclast, and collagen amounts (P < .05). Additionally, newly formed bone areas and fibroblast count were higher in experimental group.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that ZA had positive effects on the new bone formation, which may potentially shorten the consolidation period.