Orthodontic tooth movement in obese rats: preliminary histoenzymological results / Movimentação dentária ortodôntica em ratos obesos: um estudo preliminar

Abstract

The aim of this study is evaluated osteoclastogenesis on the periodontal ligament during induced tooth movement (ITM) in obese Wistar rats using the tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) histoenzymatic analysis. Twelve rats weighing about 125 g were randomly divided into four groups of three animals each: Group I – healthy rats that received ITM in one side of the maxilla for seven days; Group II – obese rats that received ITM in one side of the maxilla for seven days; Group III – healthy rats that received ITM in one side of the maxilla for 14 days; Group IV – obese rats that received ITM in one side of the maxilla for 14 days. The other side of the maxilla was used as control side. Immediately after euthanasia, the samples were processed for histological examination using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining to detect osteoclasts in the periodontal ligament under conventional microscopy. Moderate to intense osteoclast activity was found in both sides of the maxilla that received ITM regardless of ITM duration or obesity of the Wistar rats. Our results suggest that obesity did not affect the formation of osteoclasts during orthodontic ITM.