SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

 
vol.23 número1Effects of five carbamide peroxide bleaching gels on composite resin microhardnessScanning electron microscopic evaluation of the root apex of mandibular premolars índice de autoresíndice de materiabúsqueda de artículos
Home Pagelista alfabética de revistas  

Servicios Personalizados

Revista

Articulo

Indicadores

  • No hay articulos citadosCitado por SciELO

Links relacionados

  • No hay articulos similaresSimilares en SciELO

Compartir


Acta Odontológica Latinoamericana

versión On-line ISSN 1852-4834

Acta odontol. latinoam. vol.23 no.1 Buenos Aires abr. 2010

 

ARTÍCULOS ORIGINALES

High resolution films for bone regeneration evaluation

 

María V. Jammal1, Erika B. Territoriale1, Carlos M. Abate2, Liliana R. Missana1,2

1Oral Pathology Department, Dentistry Faculty, Tucumán University.
2Industrial Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology Process (PROIMI-CONICET). Tucumán, Argentina.

CORRESPONDENCE Prof. Dra. Liliana Missana Pje Leopoldo Lugones 80. B° Ojo de Agua. (T4000MFB) Tucuman, Argentina. e-mail: missli@arnet.com.ar


ABSTRACT

Diagnostic imaging techniques (DIxT) seem to be a useful tool for evaluating bone formation in both human and animal models. There is little evidence on the use of Soft X-Rays (sXR) with high-resolution films for studying the healing process in critical bone size defects (CSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of soft X-Ray – High Resolution Films (sXR) to distinguish bone regeneration in CSDs. A CSD was created in each of 16 Wistar rat calvariae. The animals were euthanized at 1, 3 and 6 weeks after surgery. The samples were submitted to cXR (conventional X-rays), sXR techniques and histological procedures (HP). Bone formation was observed at CSD edges at all periods of time. At 6 week, there was also new bone in the central area. The CSD was not fully regenerated after any period of time. Histometric results were 0.16%; 0.75% and 0.89% new bone formed at weeks 1, 3 and 6 respectively; radiometric results at cXR were 0% in all samples. Evaluation of sXR shows 0.4%; 0.50% and 3.64% bone at weeks 1, 3 and 6. Mean and Standard Deviation were calculated. The data were submitted to statistical analysis using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient test. The r value was 0.581. Under these experimental conditions, sXR was found to be a suitable method for detecting new bone formation, based on the positive correlation between sXR and HP during the bone healing process of CSDs in rat calvaria. Furthermore, the sXR technique allowed us to obtain samples with appropriate spatial orientation.

Key words: Bone regeneration; Histology; Radiology.

RESUMEN

Evaluación de regeneración ósea con placas radiográficas de alta resolución

Las tecnicas de diagnostico por Imagenes (DxI) han demostrado su utilidad para evaluar formacion osea en situaciones de salud y enfermedad. Son utilizadas tanto en humanos como en modelos animales; aunque la tecnica de rayos X blandos en placas de alta resolucion (rXb) ha sido escasamente aplicada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la capacidad tecnica de los rayos X blandos en placas de alta resolucion (rXb) para distinguir la neoformacion osea en defectos oseos criticos (DOC) en calotas de ratas, durante el proceso de regeneracion osea. En 16 ratas Wistar hembras (150 ±50 g), se realizaron DOC circulares en calota. Los animales fueron eutanasiados a la 1o, 3o y 6o semana post-quirurgica. Las muestras experimentales (MEx) recibieron rayos X convencionales (rXc), rayos X blandos (rXb) y luego fueron procesadas histologicamente (TH). Se realizaron estudios histometricos y radiometricos; utilizando soft Image J (NIH). Los resultados histologicos demostraron presencia de tejido de granulacion en el area del DOC a la 1° semana y se observo tejido fibroso desde la 3° semana. En todos los periodos de tiempo, se observo formacion osea en los bordes del DOC, mientras que a la 6° semana, fue evidente en el area central del mismo. No se evidencio regeneracion osea en ningun periodo estudiado. Los resultados histometricos fueron 0,16%; 0,75% y 0,89% a la 1o, 3o y 6o semana respectivamente. Los resultados radiometricos obtenidos utilizando placas radiograficas convencionales (rXc) fueron de 0% en todos los casos; mientras que en placas de alta resolucion con rayos X blandos (rXb) fueron 0,4%; 0,50% y 3,64% a las 1o, 3o y 6o semanas respectivamente. Se calcularon la media y Desvio Estandar a la 1°, 3° y 6° semana. Ademas se utilizo el coeficiente rho de Pearson, para estimar la correlacion existente entre rXb y TH; obteniendo un valor r de 0,581. En las condiciones experimentales utilizadas, podemos concluir que la tecnica de rXb fue un metodo apropiado para la deteccion de neoformacion osea, ya que demostro una correlacion positiva con la TH, durante los periodos de tiempo estudiados; ademas de facilitar la orientacion de las MEx durante su procesamiento histologico.

Palabras clave: Regeneracion osea; Histologia; Radiologia.


 

INTRODUCTION

Various animal models have been developed in the field of bone research for evaluating therapeutic strategies. Some of them most outstanding are the critical bone defect models, which compare new bone formation in treated and untreated defects. Hollinger et al. (1986) introduced the concept of critical sized defect (CSD), defined as the smallest size defect that will not heal without treatment, in a percentage of bone not greater than 10% of the total area1,2. Bone defects can be performed on different bones, such as calvaria, tibia, femur, maxilla, etc. The CSD model in rat calvariae has been widely used for evaluating bone fill materials, bone anabolic agents and other treatments. It is based on morphological and embryonic similarity of maxillofacial region bones3,4. Various methods have been used to evaluate capacity for promoting bone healing in critical bone defects, including clinical observation, macroscopic, microscopic and mechanical tests5. There are also diagnostic imaging techniques (DxI), such as conventional X-rays (cXr), micro-computed tomography (mCT), quantitative roentgen densitometry (qRd) and soft x-ray–high-resolution film (sXr). Conventional X-rays are a useful tool, quick and inexpensive, however when used for bone defects, the information they provide is poor and unreliable6. Micro-computed tomography is efficient to evaluate CSD regeneration based on similarities found with histological studies. However, it is only a future prospect for developing countries like ours7,8,9. Quantitative roentgen densitometry uses high-resolution X-ray equipment that allows quantify bone density and detect small differences in mineral content10,11. There are also soft X-ray (sXr) techniques, used for specific purposes such as microcalcification in mammary pathology, which provide sharper images with greater contrast12. In bone pathology, few studies have used this technique. It has been applied in humans to determine bone changes in the hands of hyperparathyroid patients13. In animal models it has been used to evaluate xenografts in rabbit tibias and rat calvariae, to determine the role of the dura mater during bone regeneration14. As the film has such high sensitivity and definition, we decided to evaluate the technical capacity of soft X-rays on highresolution film (sXr) to identify new bone formation during the bone regeneration process in critical bone defects (CSD) of rat calvariae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen (16) female Rattus norvegicus var wistar were used (150 ± 50 g, approximately 9 weeks old).

Surgical procedures
All animals under anesthetize, received an unilateral full thickness osteotomy over calvaria. Each of them were made by ad hoc manual punch (5 mm in diameter) non-serrated, avoiding dura mater damage3,4. The animals were sacrificed at weeks 1, 3 and 6, respectively. The samples (skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue, muscle, parietal bone and brain) were fixed in 20% buffered formalin for 24 hours. The animals were divided in two groups. Group A: ten (10) animals were submitted to soft X-rays (sXR) and decalcified histological studies (DHP). And Group B: six (6) animals were study by conventional X-rays (cXR), soft X-rays (sXR) and undecalcified histological procedure (UDHP).

Conventional X-ray technique
The specimens were X-rayed by conventional technique with periapical Kodak Insight film and dental X-ray equipment (DSJ brand). The focus-plate distance was 20 cm and exposure time 0.35 seconds. The samples were placed on films at antero-posterior direction, recorded individually, and following the film upper right-hand corner as reference.

Soft X-ray technique
The experimental samples were subject to soft X-rays using high-resolution Kodak film (mammography type, 18 x 23 cm). GBA Mamograf HF Digital brand equipment was used. The focus-plate distance was constant, at chassis contact. The exposure time was 0.8 seconds, 27.5 Kv and 7.0 mA. All experimental samples were placed in a row, 6 per plate. They were antero-posterior placed, with the CSD on the right parietal bone, following the film upper right-hand corner as reference.

Decalcified Histological Technique
Samples were decalcified by modified Morse Solution and submitted to routine histological processing. Serial sections were cut (7 μ) through the defect center to reach the maximum diameter (5 mm), and then stained by hematoxylin and eosin.

Undecalcified Histological Technique
Samples were dehydrated and embedded in methyl methacrylate. The sections were made by grinding (10 μ), and stained with the modified Masson- Goldner technique, which allows the osteoid tissue to be observed.

Morphometric study
Morphometric studies were performed using conventional and high-resolution radiographic images (cXR and sXR), digitalized with an HP Scanjet 4070 scanner. They were analyzed using ImageJ software (National Institute of Health, USA). The parameters selected were: 1) radiolucent and 2) radiopaque areas. For histometrical studies, microphotographs were taken from each slides using a Sony digital camera adapted to an Olympus CH30 microscope. The pictures were taken using Soft Pinnacle Studio 9.4 with 116.7 X magnification. The parameters selected were newly formed bone periosteal, endosteal, and at CSD edges and center. Newly formed bone was measured as a percentage.

Statistical analysis
Mean (X) and Standard Deviation (o) were calculated for weeks 1, 3 and 6. Data were correlated according to Pearsons rho coefficient.

RESULTS

Conventional X-ray technique (cXR)
At weeks 1, 3 and 6, there was a circular radiolucent area corresponding to CSD; no radiopaque area was found at any period of time (Fig. 1).


Fig. 1:
Radiographic image. Conventional
X-rays. CSD 5 mm across in rat calvaria (A). No radiopaque areas are observed. Post-surgery week 6. Magnification: 30x.

Soft X-ray – high-resolution film technique (sXR)
At week 1 there was a rounded radiolucent area with sharply defined edges on the parietal bone, corresponding to the defect area, containing a few small radiopaque dots. At week 3, there were many, large, irregular shaped radiopacities on the defect area, compared to week 1. At week 6, the radiopacities on CSD were also irregular, but larger than those from the first two periods. Nevertheless, they were not able to regenerate the defect (Fig. 2).


Fig. 2:
Radiographic image. Soft Xrays. CSD 5 mm across in rat calvaria (A). Irregular radiopaque areas at the edges of the defect (B). Post-surgery week 6. Magnification: 30x.

Histological results
In CSD area, granulation tissue was observed at week 1. From week 3 to 6 there was fibrous connective tissue. New bone and osteoid were formed on CSD edges, from 1 to 6 weeks. Also, bone formation was founded in the CSD center at week 6. Osteoid was observed only in undecalcified samples.

Morphometric results
The radiometry from cXR showed a 0% volume on radiopaque areas, and 100% volume on radiolucent areas at all time periods. The values from sXR showed a radiopaque areas amount of 0.4%; 0.50% y 3.64% at weeks 1, 3 and 6 respectively. Histomorphometric measurements demonstrated a new bone formed (calcified bone and osteoid) of 0.16%; 0.75% and 0.89% at weeks 1, 3 and 6; obtained from CSD edges and center.

Statistical results
Mean and Standard Deviation were calculated (Table 1). In addition, the correlation between sXR and HP was estimated using Pearson’s rho coefficient test (normal value -1 and + 1), which produced a value for r of 0.581 (Fig. 3). The cXR observations are equal to zero, and therefore cannot be analyzed statistically.

Table 1: Mean ± Standard Deviation Values at weeks 1, 3 and 6 for Soft X-ray-high resolution film technique (sXR) and histometry (HP).


Fig. 3:
Dispersion values diagram of bone regeneration obtained from histological procedures vs. soft X-rays at weeks 1, 3 and 6 showing positive correlation.

DISCUSSION

The need to find a valid, efficient, simple method to demonstrate bone regeneration in animal models with critical bone defects has led researchers to seek and develop new methods. In this study, we have evaluated the use of soft X-rays–high-resolution film as a means for detecting new bone formation in experimental models. There are few papers in which this technique is used to determine bone formation10,14, although our results encourage us to use it, particularly due to its high correlation with histology. It is important to highlight that the measurement planes for areas on sXR and histological sections are orthogonal projections. The film provides an actual frontal view of bone formation, while the histological section is plane, obtained from a sample cut on angles 90°. The sXR images clearly showed the difference between the defect radiolucent area and radiopacities of new bone formed. However, the cXR technique yield a low level of accuracy, based on our 0% radiopacity results. Pryor et al.6 (2006) also determined the validity of cXR in rat calvariae CSD models as providing unreliable information5,6. These results may be conditioned by the thinness of the bone as well as the size and distribution of silver halide granules on both sides of the radiographic plate16. Moreover, the fact that the equipment used could not change Kv and mA affected radiation penetration. Related to our histological results from decalcified and undecalcified obtained from CSD samples, were agree with other authors1,4. We have considered using them, like Pryor et al.6, as a control group, but in order to provide greater validity for our results, we also performed non-decalcified histological studies with the aim of comparing the amount of bone obtained with both techniques. Our results showed that the differences are not statistically significant (p = 0.1904). The statistical results of comparing the two study groups show positive correlation, i.e. there is association between areas of radiopacity (sXR) and the new bone tissue observed in the CSD area. We can thus say that the use of soft X-rays–high-resolution film is an appropriate tool for studying new bone formation in CSDs on rat calvaria. The method is simple, the equipment needed is available and low-cost, and the method provides precise information on the evolution of the bone regeneration process. We therefore consider that our study lays the foundations for the use of sXR in the field of bone research.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Dr. Hugo Barrionuevo and his team at Nuestra Senora de la Merced Maternity (Tucuman, Argentina), and Prof. Dr. R. L Cabrini for his intellectual support. This study was subsidized by CIUNT (Project N° 26/J413) and CONICET

REFERENCES

1. Hollinger J, Kleinschmidt M. The Critical Size Defect as an Experimental Model to test bone repair materials. J Craniofac Surg 1990;1:60-68.         [ Links ]

2. Schmitz J, Hollinger J. The Critical Size Defect as an Experimental Model for craniomandibulofacial nonunions. Clin Orthop 1986;205:300-307.         [ Links ]

3. Aybar Odstrcil A, Territoriale E, Missana L. An Experimental Model in Calvaria to evaluate bone therapies. Acta Odontol Latinoam 2005;18:21-25.         [ Links ]

4. Territoriale E, Kozuszko S, Juarez J, Pastorino N, Missana L. Accion del Pamidronato Disodico en Modelo Experimental de Calvaria. Revista FOUNT 2006;3:33-41.         [ Links ]

5. Pryor M, Yang J, Polimeni G, Koo K. Analysis of rat calvaria defect implanted with a platelet rich plasma preparation: radiographic observations. J Periodontol 2005; 76:1287-1292.         [ Links ]

6. Pryor M, Susin C, Wikesjo V. Validity of radiographic evaluations of bone formation in rat calvaria osteotomy defect model. J Clin Periodontol 2006;33:455-460.         [ Links ]

7. Efeoglu C, Fisher SE, Erturk S, Oztop F, Gunbay S, Sipahi A. Quantitative morphometric evaluation of critical size experimental bone defects by microcomputed tomography. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2007;45:203-207.         [ Links ]

8. Recinos RF, Hanger CC, Shaefer RB., Dawson CA, .Gosain A. Microfocal CT: a method for evaluating murine cranial sutures in situ. J Surg Res 2004;2:322-329.         [ Links ]

9. Marechal M, Luyten F, Nijs J, Postnov A, Schepers E, Van Steenberghe E. Histomorphometry and micro computed tomography of bone augmentation under a titanium membrane. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2005;16:708-714.         [ Links ]

10. Animal Models in Orthopaedic Research. Methods of Evaluation in Ortopaedic Animal Research. An Y, Friedman R. CRC Press, 1999.         [ Links ]

11. Garcia A, Paparella ML, Santini Araujo EH, Brandizzi D, Cabrini R. Estudio Radiografico de Muestras de Tejido oseo de Cresta Iliaca Humana. Su significado frente a la puncion osea para estudios metabolicos. Rev Asoc Ortop Traumatol 2005;3:256-263.         [ Links ]

12. Hincapie Uribe AL, Patino Pacheco JH, Quiceno Calderon W, Restrepo Mejia AL. Correlacion Mamografica e Histologica de Lesiones Mamarias No palpables. Biopsia por Estereotaxica. Revista Colombiana de Radiologia 1997;8:27-32.         [ Links ]

13. Muller-Miny H, Link T, Braun-Anhalt I, Dietl KH, Peters PE. [Abstract] Comparison between direct radiographic enlargement and mammography technique in detection of osseous changes of the hand skeleton in hyperparathyroidism. Radiologe 1996;36:834-839.         [ Links ]

14. Ozerdem OR, Anlatici R, Bahar T, Kayaselcuk F, Barutcu O, Tuncer I, Sen O. Roles of periosteum, dura, and adjacent bone on healing of cranial osteonecrosis. J Craniofac Surg 2003;14:371-382.         [ Links ]

15. Animal Models in Orthopaedic Research. Histological Study in Ortopaedic Animal Research. An Y, Friedman R. Gruber H, Stasky A. CRC Press, 1999.         [ Links ]

16. Goaz P, White S. Radiologia Oral. Pelicula radiografica, pantallas intensificadoras y rejillas. Mosby. 1995.         [ Links ]

Creative Commons License Todo el contenido de esta revista, excepto dónde está identificado, está bajo una Licencia Creative Commons