RECOMBINANT HUMAN OSTEOGENIC PROTEIN-1 INDUCES DENTIN FORMATION - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY IN MINIATURE SWINE

It was the aim of the present study to investigate the induction of de ntin formation by recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 (hOP-1). In 4 adult miniature pigs a total of 16 teeth with artificially exposed de ntal pulps were capped with 3 mg of a complex of recombinant hOP-1 in collagen matrix (2.5 mu g/mg), collagen matrix alone, or calcium hydro xide paste. Teeth were removed in block section after a healing period of 5 weeks. Decalcified sections were processed for light microscopy and histomorphometric analysis. In hOP-1 treated teeth substantial amo unts of hard tissue formation (osteodentin and tubular dentin) had con sistently led to a complete bridging of the defects. Less dentin forma tion was seen after calcium hydroxide application. In control defects collagen matrix alone failed to form complete dentin bridges. Recombin ant human osteogenic protein-1 in a collagen carrier matrix appeared t o be suitable as a bio-active capping agent for surgically exposed den tal pulps.