SUMMARY
The proteins Wnts are considered a key regulator of the early development of the skeleton. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of the protein Wnt10b as a marker of bone repair in critical size defects surgically created in the calvaria of rabbits treated with fragmented autogenous adipose tissue graft. Methods: A total of 28 rabbits were divided into two groups: the Control group (C) and Adipose Tissue Graft group (ATG). A CSD measuring 15 mm in diameter was created in the calvaria of each animal. In rabbits of the C group, the defect was filled only with blood clot, and in ATG group, the defect was filled with fragmented adipose tissue graft. The two groups were divided into two subgroups (n = 7) for euthanasia 15 and 40 days after surgery. Histological and immunohistochemically analyses were performed to evaluate the neoformed bone and the presence/concentration of Wnt10b protein. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the means and standard deviations of the number of Wnt10b + cells/mm2 in both groups in each postoperative period. It was assumed a significance level of 5%. Results: After 40 days, the mean concentration of the protein Wnt10b in ATG group was 26.26 (+-6.97) significant higher (p<0,001) than the mean in C group that was 305 (37.41). Conclusion: The protein Wnt10b would play a crucial role in the signaling of bone formation in bone defects treated with fragmented autogenous adipose tissue graft.