Evaluation of a collagen matrix in a mandible defect in rats submitted to the use of bisphosphonates

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of a collagen matrix (Mucograft(®)) on the inflammatory process in a semi-critical experimental defect model in rats treated with bisphosphonates. METHODS: Eighteen Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: saline (CG), alendronate (ALD) 5mg/kg (AG) or zoledronic acid (ZA) 0.2mg/kg (ZG). ALD was administered orally for 10 weeks and ZA was administered intravascularly on days 0, 7 and 14 and 49. On day 42, a 2mm defect was created and filled with Mucograft(®) collagen matrix. The contralateral side was filled with a clot (control side). The animals were euthanized 70 days after the beginning of the experiment and the hemimandibles were radiographically and histologically (counting of empty osteocyte lacunae (%), apoptotic (%) and total osteoclasts, neutrophil and mononuclear inflammatory cells) analyzed. The variables were submitted to ANOVA/Bonferroni and t test (parametric data) (p <0.05, GraphPad Prism 5.0). RESULTS: Significant bone repair occurred in the groups treated with Mucograft(®). High number of total inflammatory cells and neutrophils cells were showed in AG (p=0.026 and p=0.035) and AZ groups (p=0.005, p=0.034) on the control sides associated with delayed bone repair and the presence of devitalized bone tissue in AG and ZG on the Mucograft(®) side. CONCLUSION: Mucograft(®) collagen matrix attenuated the inflammatory process in a mandible defect in rats submitted to the use of bisphosphonates (AG and ZG).