EFFECT OF FLUOXETINE ON THE STRUCTURE OF ALVEOLAR BONE IN RATS WITH DEPRESSION

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Depression is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders. It affects all body systems including endocrinal, neurological and immune system. Additionally, it is thought to affect bone homeostasis. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They are classified into tricyclic and tetra cyclic antidepressants (TCAs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluoxetine, which is a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, is used for the treatment of depression by selectively acting on serotonin (5-HT). Fluoxetine plays a major role in bone apposition and in maintaining the bone homeostasis. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine) on the structure of alveolar bone in rats with induced depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty adult male rats were divided as follows: Group I: (control group) which consists of 10 rats, Group II: (depression group) 10 rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) to induce depression, Group III: (fluoxetine group) 10 rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) to induce depression and at the same time they were orally supplied with 10 mg/kg/day of fluoxetine. After 3 months, the mandibles were dissected out and prepared for histological analysis using light microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDX). RESULTS: In the control group, the alveolar bone surface showed a regular and smooth outline. In the depression group, there was a significant disturbance in the bone architecture. The bone surface showed an irregular outline with multiple osteoclasts lying in How ship's lacunae. Deeply stained incremental lines were also evident. In the fluoxetine group, the bone surface restored its regular outline with multiple osteoblasts and osteocytes. The bone showed incremental lines indicating bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Depression can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Fluoxetine is an effective drug in enhancing the bone condition and restoring the normal architecture of the alveolar bone.