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AIM: The aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of signal transduction of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) through their specific down signaling molecules Smads inducing bone formation in response to mechanical stimulus during distraction osteogenesis (DO) in the rat mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteotomy of the left mandible was performed in 45 rats. Thirty rats underwent mandibular distraction (protocol; 5 days latency, 8 days distraction, and 2 weeks consolidation) while 15 rats served as non-distracted (fracture healing) group. The expression of BMPs-2,-4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were evaluated in the new regenerate area using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Expressions of BMPs-2,-4 and Smads 1, 5, and 8 were moderate during latency, significantly increased during distraction and decreased towards consolidation period. CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced expression of BMPs and its Smads during distraction compared to the nondistracted group suggests the possible role of BMP signaling pathway in translation of mechanical forces into biological results during DO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monospecific and high titer polyclonal antibody, designated as Fas D, raised against synthetic polypeptides selected from a part of the human Fas antigen (aa 104-114), was used to identify the Fas antigen in human oral epithelia in normal and pathological states. The human gingival proteins had been extracted and analysed by an ABC (avidin-biotin complex) immunoblotting technique. The antibody interacted with a single band in gingival proteins with an estimated molecular weight of 35,000, which is in good agreement with that calculated from amino acid sequences of the human Fas antigen. Using an indirect immunohistochemical method, the antibody localized on the stratum spinosum and the basal part of the stratum corneum of normal human gingiva. Specimens obtained from patients with odontogenic keratocysts, leukoplakia, lichen planus, and squamous cell carcinoma were also stained with the antibody. The pattern of the Fas antigen distribution in oral stratified squamous epithelia was, with some overlapping, characteristic for each disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]