A combination of platelet-derived and insulin-like growth factors enhances periodontal regeneration

The combination of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin‐like growth factor one (IGF‐1) has previously been shown to enhance repair of soft tissue wounds. Here we report initial observations following application of PDGF and IGF‐1 to periodontitis‐affected teeth in beagle dogs, 1 μg of PDGF and IGF‐1 in an aqueous gel was applied to the root surfaces of test teeth following open flap debridement. Control sites received the gel alone. Block biopsies of the teeth and surrounding bone were taken 2 weeks after treatment. Histologic analyses of control specimens revealed a long junctional epithelial attachment, and no new bone or cementum formation. In contrast, growth factor treated sites exhibited significant amounts of new bone and cementum formation. A nearly continuous layer of osteoblasts lined the newly formed bone, and there was a dense cellular “front” at the coronal extent of the new bone. These preliminary results suggest that in vivo application of the combination of PDGF and IGF‐1 may enhance regeneration of the periodontal structures.