Date of Completion
6-18-2012
Embargo Period
5-30-2013
Advisors
Ravindra Nanda; Ivo Kalajzic
Field of Study
Dental Science
Degree
Master of Dental Science
Open Access
Campus Access
Abstract
Background: Osteocyte apoptosis is regularly observed in the alveolar bone during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). In this study, we wanted to further investigate its occurrence and localization.
Method: Sixteen 10-12 week old male CD1 mice were loaded with NiTi springs between the right first maxillary molar and incisor delivering 10-12g of force. Left hemimaxillae served as unloaded controls. Four mice were sacrificed at each of the following time points: 6 hours, 12 hours, 3 days and 7 days after loading. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and caspase-3 and RipK-1 were detected by immunostaining on histological sections.
Results: The ratio of TUNEL-positive osteocytes was increased on the compression side at 12 hours and, to a lesser extent, 3 days. There was a trend for increased caspase-3 expression at 12 hours, but RipK-1 expression levels did not follow this same trend.
Conclusions: Caspase-3 expression correlates with increased osteocyte apoptosis during OTM. These results provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of osteocyte death during OTM.
Recommended Citation
Moin, Sogole S., "The Characterization of Osteocyte Apoptosis in a Mouse Model of Orthodontic Tooth Movement" (2012). Master's Theses. 298.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/298
Major Advisor
Flavio Uribe