PURPOSE:To investigate the effects of locally applied simvastatin plus biphasic calcium phosphate (BoneCeramic ® ) or collagen sponge on bone formation in critical-sized bone defects. METHODS:Thirty defects of 5mm in diameter were created bilaterally with a trephine bur in the calvariae of fifteen Wistar rats. The defects were divided into five groups: group 1 -control, no treatment; group 2 (BoneCeramic ® ); group 3 (BoneCeramic ® + 0.1mg simvastatin); group 4 (collagen sponge); and group 5 (collagen sponge + 0.1mg simvastatin). After eight weeks the animals were euthanized and their calvariae were histologically processed. Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections were subjected to histological and histomorphometrical analyses. The area of newly formed bone was calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS:The greater amount of a bone-like tissue was formed around the carrier in group 3 (BoneCeramic ® + 0.1mg simvastatin)followed by group 2 (BoneCeramic ® ), and almost no bone was formed in the other groups. Group 3 was significantly different compared to group 2, and both groups were significantly different compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION:Simvastatin combined with BoneCeramic ® induced significantly greater amounts of newly formed bone and has great potential for the healing of bone defects.Key words: Simvastatin. Osteogenesis. Calcium Phosphates. Rats. Simvastatin and biphasic calcium phosphate affects bone formation in critical-sized rat calvarial defects

PURPOSE:To analyze the effects of simvastatin (SVT) in the locomotion, anxiety and memory of rats, as a reflection of the administration of a minimum dose capable of stimulating bone regeneration in defects in the calvariae. METHODS:Surgical procedures were performed in 15 female Wistar rats, 2-month old, to insert the grafting material regenerator (Bone-ceramic ® ) and/or SVT, followed by behavioural and cognitive assessments in the 7 th , 30 th and 60 th days post surgery. RESULTS:The SVT locally applied with the goal of bone regeneration in defects created in rat calvariae does not interfere with locomotion, anxiety levels and/or memories of rats, except for the first week following surgery, when an anxiolytic effect was observed, as a result of a possible central action. CONCLUSION:Failure to provoke any response within 30 and 60 days post surgical procedures suggests that SVT may constitute a good choice in stimulating bone regeneration without affecting the long term neural functions.

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