Objective: To investigate the effects of different doses of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the fibrovascular ingrowth into hydroxyapatite orbital implants.
Methods: Thirty-six New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into 4 groups, and hydroxyapatite orbital spheres were implanted into their orbits. The implants were pretreated with 0.5, 1.5 and 5.0 g/L bFGF solution respectively in 3 groups, the untreated implants were used in the control group. At the postoperative 2, 4 and 6 weeks the implants were harvested. Observers classified the extent of the fibrovascular ingrowth in a blind manner under light microscopy.
Results: Histologic studies demonstrated that postoperatively, the rate of vascularization of the implants pretreated with 1.5 and 5.0 g/L bFGF solution was significantly increased at week 2 in comparison with that of the control group. No difference was noted between the group with the implants pretreated with 0.5 g/L bFGF solution and the control group.
Conclusion: The bFGF 1.5 and 5.0 g/L in concentration may promote the fibrovascular ingrowth into hydroxyapatite orbital implants at week 2 after the implantation.