Objective: To observe the effect of high positive acceleration (+Gz) environment on dental implant osseointegration in a rabbit model and to investigate its mechanism.
Methods: Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups. The rabbit's mandibular incisors were extracted and 1 implant was placed in each socket immediately. After 1 week of rest, the rabbits were exposed to a high +Gz environment, 3 times a week. The rabbits were sacrificed at 3 weeks (2 weeks +Gz exposure), 5 weeks (4 weeks +Gz exposure), and 12 weeks (4 weeks +Gz exposure and 7 weeks normal environment) after surgery, respectively. Specimens were harvested for micro-CT scanning, histological analysis, and real-time polymerase chain reaction examination.
Results: Compared with those in the control group, the mRNA expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), osteopontin (OPN), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were significantly lower (P < 0.05), while the mRNA expression level of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and the RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 3 weeks; values of bone volume fraction, trabecular number, bone-implant contact (BIC), and TGF-β1 and OPG mRNA expression levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the value of trabecular separation, RANKL mRNA expression level and RANKL/OPG ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 5 weeks; and the value of BIC was still significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 12 weeks in the experimental group.
Conclusion: Early exposure to the high +Gz environment after implant surgery might have an adverse effect on osseointegration, and its mechanism could be related to the inhibition of osteoblast activity and promotion of osteoclast activity.
Keywords: Dental implant; Micro-CT; Osseointegration; Osteoblast; Positive acceleration; Real-time polymerase chain reaction.
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