Early histological change in hard tissue from orthodontic force placed on microscrews in ovariectomized rats

Lee, Dea Seung; Lee, Jin Woo; Chang, Moon Jung

Abstract

Most elderly women experience a decrease in their bone density due to a deficiency of calcium intake, ovariectomy, or menopause. This study evaluated the usability of the microscrew as a skeletal anchorage system in these orthodontic treatment cases, using rats as a research group. The 4 month old sprague-dawley species rats were divided into two groups, the OS (Ovariectomy Screw), and the SS (Sham operation Screw) group. In both the OS and SS groups, microscrews were implanted into the palatal bone between the upper molar teeth and two upper incisors were retracted using NiTi coil spring with 75 g of force. After 3 days, the again after 7 days, 7 rats in each group were sacrificed. Three days before they were sacrificed, Alizarin red S was intraperitoneally injected, and their maxillary bone, tibia and blood from their hearts were taken. The components of the extracted blood were biochemically analyzed and non-decalcified grinding resin sections for maxillary bone and tibia were made. The sections were examined with a polarization microscope, and fluorescent microscope. Smaller concentrations of Ca and P, the inorganic substances closely related to bone density, were found in the extracted blood of the OS group. Both OS and SS groups showed a possibility of bone remodeling with a high concentration of ALP after 7 days. An increase in bone density on the tension and compression sides of the microscrew and the tension side of the tooth for both OS and SS groups was confirmed with a polarization microscope. However, the bone density of the pressure side of the tooth and apical side was decreased. More deposits of Alizarin red S in the bone after 7 days rather than 3 days seen with a fluorescent microscope suggested the existence of new bone formation.