Abstract: Objective　To investigate the expression and distribution pattern of IntegrinαVβ3(ItgαVβ3) in course of distraction osteogenesis and to quest for the function of ItgαVβ3in distraction osteogenesis (DO).Methods　44 adults New Zealand white rabbits were selected and divided randomly into 3 groups: DO, bone fracture and normal group. There were 20, 20 and 4 rabbits in each group separately. Animal models were established and animals were killed at different time points. Sections were stained by IHC method. Distribution and expression pattern of ItgαVβ3were observed by semi-quantitative technique, and the results were managed with statistic methods.Results　The expression of ItgαVβ3was found both in the DO and bone fracture groups. The positive stainingwas seenmainly in vascular endothelial cells on cytomembrane and in cytoplasm. The staining intensity of group of DOwas higher than that of the bone fracture group.Conclusion　ItgαVβ3plays an important role in promoting the process of DO.

Key words: distraction osteogenesis, integrin, mandible