Effects of Tetracycline-loaded Poly(L-lactide) Barrier Membranes on Guided Bone Regeneration in Beagle Dog

Choi, Kwang Soo; Kim, Tak; Yang, Dae Seung; Kim, Eun Cheol; You, Hyung Keun; Shin, Hyung Shik

Abstract

Application of membranes for guided tissue regeneration(GTR) have been confined to the subgingival barrier functions; however, many studies have provided evidence that some drugs, including tetracycline, initially can promote the growth of periodontal ligament or alveolar bone in peridontal therapy. Osseous regeneration in periodontal defects is increased by local administration of tetracycline due to its anti-collagenolytic effect, which enhances bone-forming ability via osteoblast cell chemotaxis and reduced bone resorption. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of tetracycline loaded poly-L-lactide(PLLA) barrier membranes for guided bone regenerative potential. Tetracycline was incorporated into the PLLA membrane with the ratio 10% to PLLA by weight. Ability to guided bone regeneration of the membranes were tested by measuring new bone in the tibial defects(7x10x5 mm3) of the beagle dog for 4, 5, and 6 weeks. In control, drug-unloaded PLLA membranes were used in same size of defect. In histologic finding of the defect area, a few inflammatory cells were observed in both groups. These membrane were not perforated by connective tissue and maintained their mechanical integrity for the barrier function for 4-6 weeks. New bone formation was greater in defects covered by tetracycline-loaded membrane than in defects covered by drug- unloaded membranes. In bone regeneration guiding potential test, tetracycline-loaded membrane was more effective than drug- unloaded membranes(p<0.05). These results suggest that tetracycline-loaded PLLA membranes potentially enhance guided bone regenerative efficacy and might be a useful barrier for GTR in periodontal treatment.