AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol 266, Issue 5 E731-E738, Copyright © 1994 by American Physiological Society

ARTICLES

Effects of sialoadenectomy and exogenous EGF on molar drift and orthodontic tooth movement in rats

C. Dolce, J. Anguita, L. Brinkley, P. Karnam, M. Humphreys-Beher, Y. Nakagawa, S. Keeling and G. King
Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.

Effects on bone remodeling have been attributed to epidermal growth factor (EGF). Sialoadenectomy (SX) removes the major source of EGF in rodents and decreases both salivary and serum EGF levels. EGF effects on rat alveolar bone remodeling manifested by molar drift (MD) and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) were examined using the following two approaches: 1) EGF depletion by SX and replacement by orally administered EGF (50 micrograms.animal-1.day-1); 2) sham rats supplemented with matching amounts of EGF. MD and OTM were measured using cephalometric radiographs; bone formation was measured histomorphometrically using tetracycline labeling. Normal MD was not detected after SX, and alveolar bone formation was significantly reduced both around the tooth and in nondental sites. Replacement EGF given to SX rats and supplemental EGF administered to sham rats changed the direction and enhanced the rate of MD. A mesially directed orthodontic force applied to the molars of SX animals increased bone formation on the distal aspect of the tooth roots. Supplemental EGF did not significantly affect OTM. EGF affects alveolar bone remodeling, as manifested clinically by alterations in normal maxillary MD.

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