The morphologic and biochemical effects of tensile force application to the interparietal suture of the Sprague-Dawley rat.

The purpose of this study was to correlate the histologic and biochemical responses of the interparietal suture to a range of tensile forces. Stainless steel spring implants, calibrated to generate expansive forces from 50 to 250 g, were placed across the interparietal suture in 85 female Sprague-Dawley rats. After experimental periods from 2 hours to 14 days, the interparietal sutures were evaluated by radiography, histology, and biochemistry. An in vivo/in vitro system was used for the biochemical analysis; total protein, proline incorporated, percent collagen, and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured. The radiographs and histology showed that in vivo suture expansion was achievable with 50 to 70 g of force, but the heavier forces showed greater sutural opening, more cellular proliferation, and more bone formation. This increased biologic response by the heavier forces was substantiated by an increase in sutural protein and alkaline phosphatase activity but not in percent collagen. It was concluded that changes in the total protein content of the suture were not primarily caused by proliferation of osteogenic cells and fibroblasts but due to an influx of transudate. In contrast, the increase in incorporation of 3H-proline and alkaline phosphatase activity correlated with the observance of bone formation. This study indicated a positive correlation between the magnitude of tensile forces and osteogenic response.