Abstract

The pathogenesis of periapical lesions is the interaction of the oral flora with the existing host defenses. The role of bacteria has been established in endodontic disease but the contribution of the host defenses in periapical lesion formation is less clear. The purpose of this study was to compare periapical lesion development in immunosuppressed rats with that in normal rats. Thirty-five, eight-week old Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into seven groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 were given weekly injections of Cytoxan, an immunosuppressive agent. Groups 4, 5, and 6 received no immunosuppressive therapy. Group 7 served as a control, receiving no medication or treatment. Pulp exposures were performed on all treatment groups and left open to the oral environment. The rats were sacrificed as follows: Groups 1 and 4 at 2 weeks, groups 2 and 5 at 4 weeks, and groups 3, 6, and 7 at 6 weeks. Radiographic analysis was performed on the mandibular sections using a computer linked to a digitizing board and stylus. The specimens were prepared for histologic analysis and stained with H and E. They were then examined under a microscope grid and quantified by relative percentages of surface areas of bone, root, PDL, marrow spaces, soft tissue, inflammatory infiltrate and periapical lesion. This was performed using a Datavoice computerized data collection and analysis system. Statistical analysis showed a significantly greater radiographic bone loss in the immunesuppressed group at 4 weeks. The only significant differences noted in the histologic analysis were increased size of periapical lesion formation in the treatment groups compared with that of the untreated controls. Our results suggest that having reduced numbers of circulating leukocytes may not significantly effect a developing periapical lesion in the time periods of this study.

Department

Dentistry

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Mahmoud Torabinejad

Second Advisor

Paul J. McMillan

Third Advisor

James D. Kettering

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1992

Date (Title Page)

8-1992

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Periapical Diseases -- etiology; Immunocompromised Host -- drug effects

Type

Thesis

Page Count

2 vi; 65

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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