Effects of Enamel Matrix Proteins on Gingival Wound Healing in the Rat

Abstract

Enamel matrix proteins (EMP) are responsible for the initiation of enamel and cementum formation during embryonic odontogenesis. Many clinicians have reported empirical data that suggest an increase in the gingival healing rate with EMP treatment. To date, little evidence supports this observation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects ofEMP on gingival wound healing indirectly by measuring tensile strength and hydroxyproline concentration. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into groups as follows: 1) five unwounded control, 2) 15 wounded control, 3) 15 propylene glycol treated, and 15 (EMP) treated. Linear incisions were made across the hard palate of all rats except the unwounded control. All wounds were injected with EMD, propylene glycol, or nothing. Wounds were harvested at 3, 7, and 14 days after wounding. There were significant differences in tensile strength and hydroxyproline concentration following wounding (p < 0.05 among all groups), but no differences were found among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). We conclude that under the experimental conditions investigated, EMP does not improve or hiilder wound healing in a rat palatal wound.