OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Eupolyphaga Sinensis Walker on mandibular distraction osteogenesis (DO) in rabbits.

METHODS30 Japanese white rabbits (weight 2.0-2.5 kg, about 3 months old) were divided randomly into control group (n = 15) and experimental group (n = 15). Unilateral mandibular DO models were established at the right mandible of the rabbits. Distraction was started 7 days after the surgery at the speed of 0.4 mm per time twice a day and continued for 10 days. From the first day of distraction to the day of execution, the experimental group rabbits were fed with 2 g of ESW power once a day at 9 o' clock. Three animals in each group were executed respectively at 24 hours, 72 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks and 7 weeks after completion of distraction, and the specimens of DO were harvested. The general observation, X-ray examination, histological study and immunohistochemical staining of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed. The images of immunohistochemical staining of BMPs and VEGF were analyzed by the image analysis software, and the results were analyzed by statistical software SPSS 17.0.

RESULTSThe rate of the new bone formation in the experimental group was faster than that in the control group, and the immunohistochemical staining of BMPs and VEGF in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group.

CONCLUSIONSESW can promote the formation of the new bone in the distracted gap during mandibular DO in rabbits, which may be due to its enhancement effect on the expression of BMPs and VEGF.