Effects of dexamethasone on the periodontal tissue during experimental upper molar movement in the rats

Abstract

Histological and histochemical studies of the influence of dexamethasone (DXM) on the periodontal tissue during experimental tooth movement were carried out by using forty five male Wistar strain rats. The animals were divided into four groups. The first group was untreated. The second group was intraperitoneally injected DXM in doses of 4 or 8 mg per 100g of body weight without tooth movement. The third group was moved their upper molars by Waldo’s method. The fourth group were injected DXM with experimental tooth movement.

1. In non-administered rats with tooth movement alkaline phosphatase activity at periodontal membrane of pressure side was lower than that of tension side, and acid phosphatase activity at pressured periodontal membrane was higher than that of tension side.

2. In DXM-administered rats with or without tooth movement activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase at periodontal membrane was lower than that in non-administered rats.

3. In DXM-administered rats with experimental tooth movement the apperance of osteoclasts was inhibited.

4. By finishing administration of DXM the number of osteoclasts recovered in control level.