Local injection of thrombin-related peptide (TP508) in PPF/PLGA microparticles–enhanced bone formation during distraction osteogenesis

We have previously demonstrated that injections of the thrombin-related peptide, TP508, into the lengthening gap have significantly enhanced bone consolidation in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis. This study was to further test the effect of a single TP508 injection in slow release preparation on bone formation during distraction osteogenesis. Rabbits had left tibiae lengthened unilateral lengthener at rate of 1.4 mm/day for 6 days. TP508 was injected into as the following: Group 1, TP508 in saline; Group 2, in PPF/PLGA [poly(propylene fumarate)/poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)] microparticles; and Group 3, dextran gel only. All the animals were killed 2 weeks after lengthening. On radiographies, more bone was formed in the two TP508-treated groups at first and secnd week postlengthening than that of the control Group 3. Microcomputed tomography (microCT) at 2 weeks indicated that the most advanced bone formation and remodeling was seen in Group 2. The mean volumetric BMD of the regenerates was significantly higher in the TP508 treated groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Histological evaluations supported the radiographic and the microCT results. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that a single injection of small amount of TP508 (300 µg) at the end of lengthening phases has significantly enhanced bone consolidation process in a rabbit model of distraction osteogenesis. The delivery of TP508 in PPF/PLGA microparticles appears to lead to a better quality bone formation over the saline delivery, further examinations are needed to confirm if PPF/PLGA microparticles may be desirable drug delivery form in augmenting bone formation. © 2007 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 26:539–546, 2008