Objective: To investigate the expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the distracted callus during mandibular osteodistraction.
Methods: Bilateral mandibular osteotomies were performed in 12 rabbits. 3 rabbits were sacrificed respectively at 0, 7, 14 and 28 days after completion of distraction. The newly formed calluses were harvested and processed for histology and immunohistochemistry of VEGF.
Results: Intense angiogenesis was observed in the regenerated callus after mandibular lengthening, and positive staining for VEGF was mainly noted in vascular endothelial cells and the active osteoblasts.
Conclusions: Mechanical strain created by distraction led to angiogenesis in distraction gap. VEGF may play a critical role in angiogenesis and subsequent osteogenesis during mandibular lengthening.