Effect of insulin-like growth factor type I on critical size calvarial bone defects in irradiated rats

Irradiated wounds are characterized by a slow healing process. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a somatomedin C, has been shown in previous studies to stimulate collagen synthesis and bony repair. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of recombinant IGF-1 in the healing of critical size calvarial defects in previously irradiated adult male Sprague-Dawley Rats.