OBJECTIVETo establish a stable mandibular fracture model with inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) mutilated for exploring the IAN influence to the expression of collagen I during mandibular fracture.

METHODSJapanese white rabbits were selected and IAN was liberated. The right was leaven as it is and the left was cut off, then 2 mm x 5 mm fracture model was made, and HE staining and chromotropic acid 2R-bright green staining and in situ hybridization of collagen I mRNA were made to detect mandibular fracture healing and collagen I mRNA expression.

RESULTSFracture healing was smooth in IAN conserved side, but delayed in the IAN mutilated side. Collagen I in situ hybridization showed that at one week and two weeks after surgery there were obvious differences between the two sides (P < 0.05), but no difference at three weeks after surgery and four weeks (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe IAN could regulate mandibular fracture healing, and influence collagen I mRNA earlier expression.