Abstract: Objective: To investigate the effects of lactoferrin (LF) on distraction osteogenesis (DO). Methods: Forty New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish the DO animal model, and randomly divided into control group (n=20) and experimental group (n=20). At the beginning of distraction, the rabbits were daily administrated by gavage with LF (85 mg/kg) in experimental group, while 0.9% physiological saline (1 mL/kg) in control group. At the 8th week after finishing the distraction, animals were euthanatized, and the samples were collected and preceded to the X-ray, micro-CT, histological, and biomechanical examinations. Results: The radio-density of experimental group was much higher than that of control group. In addition, LF treatment increased the microstructure and mechanical strength of the newly formed bone. Conclusion: LF could promote the bone regeneration during the process of DO.

Key words: Distraction osteogenesis, Lactoferrin , Bone regeneration