Assessment of Selected Morphological, Physical and Chemical Parameters of the Teeth of the Offspring of Female Rats Exposed to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), Taking into Account the Protective Role of Selected Antioxidants—Preliminary Study

Abstract

Simple SummaryThe present study aimed to determine the possibility of limiting potential dioxin disorders of the structure of hard tissues in the offspring of intoxicated rat mothers by simultaneous administration of α-tocopherol (vitamin E) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The levels of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) contained in bone tissue as indicators of the process of mineralization of hard tissues were also determined. The chaps were harvested from the offspring of eight female Buffalo rats for testing. Selected morphological, chemical and physical parameters of the teeth of the offspring of female rats from the experimental groups were analyzed. The analysis showed the effect of vitamin E and ASA for the content of Mg, Ca and P. In combination with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), vitamin E and ASA, they positively inhibit the inflammatory process, preventing the leaching of Ca and Mg from the bones. ASA counteracted this phenomenon much more effectively than vitamin E. An increase in the number of dentiform cells was observed, but a slightly lower Ca content, which means that the tooth walls in this group have a lower density. Despite the use of compounds protecting the teeth against the harmful effects of TCDD, disturbances in the structure of the tooth crown cusps were still observed.The studies conducted so far indicate a negative effect of dioxins on the structure of the alveolar bone and teeth, especially in the developmental period in rats. The research aimed to analyze the indirect effect of dioxins contained in the body of female rats on the structure of the dental organ in their offspring in the neonatal period and to determine the possibility of reducing potential dioxin disorders of the structure of hard tissues in the offspring of intoxicated mothers by simultaneous administration of vitamin E or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Another goal of the research was to determine the level of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus contained in bone tissue as indicators of the mineralization process of hard tissues in rats, in the case of using 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and acetylsalicylic acid or α-tocopherol. The experiment was carried out on eight female rats of the Buffalo strain divided into four groups. From the offspring of eight females, the mandibles were removed from the mandibular joints, and then, after the removal of soft tissues, they were prepared for individual tests. Selected morphological, chemical and physical parameters of the teeth of the offspring of female rats from the experimental groups were analyzed. The analysis showed the effect of vitamin E and ASA on the content of Mg, Ca and P. In combination with TCDD, vitamin E and ASA, they positively inhibit the inflammatory process, preventing the leaching of Ca and Mg from the bones. ASA counteracted this phenomenon much more effectively than vitamin E. Detailed analysis of the tooth morphology showed that the molars’ crowns exhibit shape disturbances under the influence of TCDD. Individual nodules in teeth T1, T2, T3 did not fuse, and the roots showed signs of hypertrophy. The study confirmed the negative effect of TCDD on tooth development. Teeth arising early in development are the most sensitive to the disorders, while the later ones are less exposed to the toxic effects of TCDD transmitted by the mother.