OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of the chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel loading recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on repairing periodontal defects.

METHODSTo prepare artificial furcation defects model in the posterior area in 3 healthy male dogs, and then to inject chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel loading of rhBMP-2 after fast suturing tissue flap. The groups filled with nothing or filled only with chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel were the controls. The dogs were sacrificed after 5 weeks and the periodontal regeneration was observed histologically.

RESULTSThe histological observation showed that the chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel loading rhBMP-2 group achieved apparent periodontal tissue regeneration occupying the majority of the defects and the control groups got only a small amount of periodontal tissue regeneration.

CONCLUSIONThe chitosan thermosensitive hydrogel loading rhBMP-2 can effectively promote the periodontal tissue regeneration, while simplifying the surgical operation. It might be a potential means for periodontal regeneration.