Effect of hyaluronic acid on bone formation in the expanded interpremaxillary suture in rats

Abstract

Structured Abstract ObjectiveTo evaluate the histomorphometric effects of different molecular weight hyaluronic acid on bone formation in rats after expansion of the interpremaxillary suture. Material and MethodsTwenty-four male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups. Each group was subjected to expansion for 5 days and retention for 10 days. Group 1 received 50 l of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMWHA), group 2 received 50 l of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA), and the control group received same amount of saline solution to the interpremaxillary suture. Ten days after injection, the rats were killed and their maxillas dissected. For the histomorphometric evaluation, blocks were serially sectioned at 10-m intervals. Sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and evaluated with image analysis software. Bone area (m(2)) (BA), bone perimeter of suture borders (m) (BP), and ratio of osteoblast cells and capillary cells to BA and BP parameters were evaluated. ResultsHMWHA showed a statistically higher ratio of osteoblast and capillary cell scores compared with the LMWHA and control groups (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in between LMWHA and control groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionsLocal injection of HMWHA in the interpremaxillary suture after rapid maxillary expansion stimulated new bone formation, which may shorten the retention period and may reduce the risk of relapse. LMWHA has no effect on bone formation in interpremaxillary suture.