A histomorphometric study of alveolar bone modeling and remodeling in mice fed a boron‐deficient diet

Abstract

Emerging evidence indicates that boron (B) plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Thus, a study was performed to determine whether B-deficiency affects alveolar bone modeling and remodeling. Weanling Swiss mice (n=30) were divided into 3 groups: control diet (GI, 3 mg B/kg); B-deficient diet (GII, 0.07 mg B/kg); and pair-fed with GII (GIII). The animals were maintained on their respective diets for 9 wk and then sacrificed. The guidelines of the NIH for the care and use of laboratory animals were observed. The mandibles were resected, fixed, decalcified in 10% EDTA and embedded in paraffin. Buccolingually oriented sections were obtained at the level of the mesial root of the first lower molar and stained with H-E. Histomorphometric studies were performed separately on the buccal and lingual sides of the periodontal alveolar bone. Percentages of osteoblast surfaces (ObS), eroded surfaces (ES), and quiescent surfaces (QS) were determined. No statistically differences in food intake and body weight were observed between the groups. When compared to GI and GIII mice, GII mice (B-deficient) had 63% and 48% reductions in ObS and 58% and 73% increases in QS in buccal and lingual plates, respectively. The results are evidence that boron deprivation alters periodontal alveolar bone modeling and remodeling by inhibiting bone formation. Grants: CONICET PIP 6042, Extramural Agreement USDA, ARS 58-5450-4N-F038.