Quantitative histologic evidence of amifostine-induced cytoprotection in an irradiated murine model of mandibular distraction osteogenesis.

Background: Head and neck cancer management requires adjuvant radiotherapy. The authors have previously demonstrated the damaging effect of a human equivalent dose of radiation on a murine mandibular model of distraction osteogenesis. Using quantitative histomorphometry, the authors' specific aim was to objectively measure amifostine radioprotection of the cellular integrity and tissue quality of an irradiated and distracted regenerate.

Dose-response effect of human equivalent radiation in the murine mandible: Part II. A biomechanical assessment.

Background: Despite the widespread use of adjuvant irradiation for head and neck cancer, the extent of damage to the underlying bone is not well understood. However, patients can suffer serious clinical consequences, including pathologic fractures, nonunion, and osteoradionecrosis. The authors' specific aim was to objectively quantify the human equivalent radiation dose-response effect of radiation on the biomechanical properties of the murine mandible.

Dose-response effect of human equivalent radiation in the murine mandible: part I. A histomorphometric assessment.

Background: The authors' laboratory previously demonstrated that radiation significantly alters new bone formation in the murine mandible, impeding the use of distraction osteogenesis as a viable reconstructive option after radiotherapy in head and neck cancer. The authors hypothesize that the deleterious effects of radiation on regenerate formation results from a dose-response depletion of essential osteogenic cells. The authors' specific aim was to use quantitative histomorphometry to objectively measure the human equivalent dose-response effects of radiation on the integrity of the mandible's cellular and tissue composition.