Effects of Local Administration of Growth Hormone in Peri-implant Bone: An Experimental Study with Implants in Rabbit Tibiae

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative differences that could appear in newly formed peri-implant bone around Screw-Vent implants placed in rabbit tibiae when treated with local administration of growth hormone (GH). Materials and Methods: Eight New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: the experimental group, which received 4 IU of GH in the form of lyophilized powder added to the ostectomy site before implant placement, and the control group, which did not receive GH before implant placement. Animals were sacrificed 2 weeks later, and histologic sections were obtained for histomorphometry and observation under light microscopy. Results: The sections in the GH-treated group presented enhanced growth of new trabeculae from the periosteal tissue, and the bone-to-implant contact in the experimental group was significantly greater (P .05). Discussion: Local administration of GH stimulated a more dramatic effect than that seen previously with systemic GH administration, prompting growth from both the periosteum and endosteum. Conclusions: Local administration of GH at the time of implant placement could enhance peri-implant bone reaction.