Enhancement of angiogenesis by bFGF in mandibular bone graft healing in the rabbit.

The effectiveness of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as an in vivo angiogenic factor was evaluated in autogeneic bone grafts to the rabbit mandible. Block cortical grafts harvested from the ilium were implanted into sites in the mandibular ramus or body. The basic fibroblast growth factor was continuously introduced over a period of 14 days through subcutaneous osmotic pumps. Increased vascularity, as assessed by vessel number and depth of penetration into the grafts, was noted at 10 days postoperatively in the bFGF stimulated side as compared to contralateral control grafts. At the fourteenth postoperative day, bFGF administration was discontinued and a decrease in angiogenesis was noted over the ensuing 2 weeks so that after 1 postoperative month, little difference could be detected between the stimulated and nonstimulated grafts. Assessment of osseous healing at the 1 month postoperative interval using triple fluorochrome labeling did not reveal evidence of accelerated osteogenesis on the previously stimulated side.