The Effects of Nicotine on the Incisive Teeth and Expression of Vimentin in Rats

Abstract

Nicotine is an alkaloid toxic effects of oral cavity. In this study,14 adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230-260 mg (±10 mg) were used as experimental animal. The rats of experimental group (n=6) were nicotinized systemically with nicotine sulphate, 2mg/kg subcutaneously, daily in period of 28 days. Pulp, alveolar bone tissue, periodontal membrane and gingival epithelial junction were investigated in these regions in incisive teeth longitudinal cross-section. Thinning of the collagen fibers in the pulp tissue, vascular congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Mesenchymal tissues that is stained positive for vimentin lay underneath the epithelium. A strong expression of vimentin can be observed in formed periodontal ligament.