Effect of Local Prostaglandin E₂ on Fracture Callus in Rabbits

Abstract

We investigated the effect of local infusion with prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in doses of 0.0003 to 4.0 mg/hour per kg body weight for 6 weeks on a plated unilateral osteotomy in rabbits. PGE₂ caused a dose-dependent stimulation of callus formation. Total bone mineral content increased, although the mineral content per volume of the callus was reduced. In another experiment, PGE₂ was infused either in the first half or in the second half of the healing period. No effect of PGE₂ infusion could be observed in the first half of the 6-week healing period, whereas PGE₂ infusion during the second half caused callus stimulation.