BACKGROUND:: Integrin levels can affect cellular function, regulate bone formation and bone resorption. However, this process need activated by other factors, whether recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) has this effect is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE:: To study the effects of the different concentration of rhBMP-2 on the expression of inergrin β1 during the mandibular distraction in rabbits. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING:: The randomized, controlled, animal grouping experiment of histological observation was performed at the Animal Experimental Center and Immunohistochemistry Center of Liaoning Medical University from May 2006 to May 2007. MATERIALS:: A total of 45 Japanese white rabbits were used. rhBMP-2 was supplied by Beijing Academy of Military Medical Sciences. METHODS:: The rabbits were prepared for mandibular distraction models and randomly assigned into control, 1.5 mg rhBMP-2 and 3.0 mg rhBMP-2 groups, with 15 animals in each group. Collagen sponge and collagen binding proteins were implanted into mandibles of rabbits, respectively, and distraction 0.4 mm per time, twice per day for 5 days. The mandibles were lengthened 4 mm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:: The expression of integrin β1 was detected using immunohistochemistry at days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after distraction. RESULTS:: All rabbits were included in the final analysis. The integrin β1 mainly expressed at 7 days after distraction. At the same time point, when concentration rhBMP-2 was increased, the positive integrin β1 rate and positive stained area percentage were increased (P < 0.05). Compared to the same concentration, the positive integrin β1 rate and positive stained area percentage were gradually increased as time prolonged (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:: The integrin β1 expression can be promoted by rhBMP-2 at the anaphase of mandibular distraction osteogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner.