Nifedipine regulated periodontal ligament remodeling: An experimental study in rats.

Author(s): Zhang MM, Feng DF, Shao P, Sun TT, Wang L, Yang BF

Affiliation(s): Department of Orthodontics, College of Stomatology.

Publication date & source: 2008-10-17, Acta Odontol Scand., :1-7 [Epub ahead of print]

Publication type:

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nifedipine on periodontal ligament remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. Material and methods. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into an orthodontic group and groups that received either 10 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg nifedipine (NIF). Immunohistochemical staining and image analysis were used to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -10, -13 and collagen-I in PDL, and maxillary 1st molar displacement was measured. Results. Expression of MMP-1, -10, and -13 was significantly decreased in both NIF groups, while collagen-I expression was markedly increased. NIF significantly inhibited tooth movement. Conclusions. NIF affects the expression of MMP-1, -10, -13 and collagen-I and tooth movement induced by orthodontic force in rats, thus indicating that calcium channels might be important in mediating PDL remodeling.