Effects of orthodontic tooth movement on the alcian blue staining patterns of rat alveolar bone,an histochemical study

Summary. There is little information a~ailable concerning the effects of orthodontic forces on glycosaminoglyeans (GAG) of alveolar bone. The present study identifies changes in Alcian blue staining intensity in rat alveolar hone illidergoing resorption resulting from a heavy (25 g) tipping force aplied to the adjacent teeth by u separating spring. One day after force application, bonc from treated animals (internal control and exnerimental sides) demonstrated more intense staining with Alcian blue. pH 1.0 (pU0.005) and pH 2.5 (pU0.05) than external controls (untreated animals). By day 3. the intensity of Alcinn blue staining of treated alveolar bone Lvas similar to untreated. Chondroitinase AC, ABC and testicular h!!aluronidase predigestion did not completely block the staining reaction, suggesting that both GAG and noncollagenous proteins were demonstrated. Mean cross-sectional areas of the interdental septum of the experimental side Lverc nearly 44%) less than that of the internal control side after 3 days and nearly 62% less after 5 days. The study suggested that alterations in bonc GAG levels occurred prior to tooth movement as I~istochcmical changes occurred after force application but hefore initiation of significant septal resorption. A precise appraisal of the types of macromolecules effected awaits future biochemical analysis. The results of the prescnt work stro~gly suggest the use of an cxtcrnal control group for future studies, as Alcian blue staining reactions of the internal control side of treated animals \\ere not similar to those of external controls.