Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials

Summary

Here we present a surgical protocol in rabbits with the aim to assess bone substitution materials in terms of bone regeneration capacities. By using PEEK cylinders fixed onto rabbit skulls, osteoconduction, osteoinduction, osteogenesis and vasculogenesis induced by the materials may be evaluated either on live or euthanized animals.

Abstract

The basic principle of the rabbit calvarial model is to grow new bone tissue vertically on top of the cortical part of the skull. This model allows assessment of bone substitution materials for oral and craniofacial bone regeneration in terms of bone growth and neovascularization support. Once animals are anesthetized and ventilated (endotracheal intubation), four cylinders made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) are screwed onto the skull, on both sides of the median and coronal sutures. Five intramedullary holes are drilled within the bone area delimited by each cylinder, allowing influx of bone marrow cells. The material samples are placed into the cylinders which are then closed. Finally, the surgical site is sutured, and animals are awaken. Bone growth may be assessed on live animals by using microtomography. Once animals are euthanized, bone growth and neovascularization may be evaluated by using microtomography, immune-histology and immunofluorescence. As the evaluation of a material requires maximum standardization and calibration, the calvarial model appears ideal. Access is very easy, calibration and standardization are facilitated by the use of defined cylinders and four samples may be assessed simultaneously. Furthermore, live tomography may be used and ultimately a large decrease in animals to be euthanized may be anticipated.

Introduction

The calvarial model of bone augmentation was developed in the 90’s with the aim to optimize the concept of guided bone regeneration (GBR) in the oral and craniofacial surgical domain. The basic principle of this model is to grow new bone tissue vertically on top of the cortical part of the skull. To do so, a reactor (e.g., titanium -dome, -cylinder or -cage) is fixed onto the skull to protect the bone regeneration conducted by a graft (e.g., hydrogel, bone substitute, etc.). With the aid of this model, titanium or ceramic cages^1,2,3,4<....

Protocol

In line with Swiss legal requirements, the protocol was approved by an academic committee and supervised by the cantonal and federal veterinary agencies (authorizations n° GE/165/16 and GE/100/18).

1. Specific devices and animals

1. Cylinders
   1. Machine cylinders with lateral stabilizing tabs out of PEEK to have inner diameter of 5 mm, outer diameter of 8 mm and a height of 5 mm (Figure 1).
   2. Machine PEEK caps with .......

Discussion

The model described herein is simple and should be developed quite easily as long as all the steps are followed and the equipment is suitable. As the protocol described is a surgical method, all the steps appear critical and must be followed properly. It is critical to be trained for animal experiments, especially in rabbit handling and anesthesia. Do not hesitate to ask for professional anesthetist and veterinary help. It is critical to insist on the daily visual monitoring of animals before and after suture removal. Ev.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Drugs
Enrofloxacine Baytril 10%	Bayer		Antibiotic
Fentanyl	Bischel		For analgesia
Ketalar 50mg/ml	Pfizer		Ketamine for anesthesia
Lidohex	Bichsel		Lubricating gel for the eyes
Opsite	Smith and Nephew	66004978	Sprayable dressing
Povidone iodine 10%, Betadine	Mundipharma		anti-infective agent
Propofol 2%	Braun	3538710	For anesthesia
Rapidocain 2%	sintetica		Local anesthesia
Ringer-acetate	Fresenius Kabi		Volume compensation
Rompun 2%	Bayer		Xylazin for anesthesia
Sevoflurane 5%	Abbvie		For anesthesia
Sterile saline	Sintetica
Temgesic	Reckitt Benckiser		Buprenorphine hydrochloride, analgesia
Thiopental Inresa	Ospediala		For anesthesia
Xylocaine 10% spray	Astra Zeneca		For intubation
Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Equipment
Fresenius Vial pilot C	Imexmed		Infusion pump
Heated pad	Harvard Apparatus
Suction dominant 50	Medela
Suction tubing Optimus	Promedical	80342.2
Surgical motor	Schick dental	Qube	Drilling of intramedullary holes
Ventilation	Maquet Servo1
Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Material
Cylinders and caps	Boutyplast	Customized	composition: PEEK (poly ether ether ketone)
Manual self-retaining shaft	GlobalD	ACT1K
Mobile handle for self-retaining shaft	GlobalD	MTM
Self- drilling screws	GlobalD	VA1.2KL4	cross-drive screws composed by Titanium grade5, ISO 5832-3
Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Surgical tray
Endotracheal tube Shiley diameter 2,5mm	Covidien	86233	For intubation
Endotracheal tube Shiley diameter 4,9mm	Covidien	107-35G	For intubation
Ethicon prolene 4-0	Ehticon	8581H	Non-resorbable suture
Forceps	Marcel Blanc	BD027R	145 mm
Intubation catheter	Cook medical		Guide for intubation
Needlle holder	Marcel Blanc	BM008R
Needles BD Microlance3	Becton Dickinson	300300/304622	26G; 18G
Periosteal	HU-Friedy	P9X
Round surgical burs	Patterson	78000	0.8 mm in diameter, Drilling of intramedullary holes
Scalpel	Swann-Morton		n°10 and n°15
Scissors	Marcel Blanc	00657	180 mm
Syringes Omnifix	Braun	4616057V	5ml, 10ml and 50ml
Venflon G22	Braun	42690985-01	Vasofix safety for the ear iv line