J Negat Results Biomed. 2010 Jun 14;9:3.

Effect of venlafaxine on bone loss associated with ligature-induced periodontitis in Wistar rats.

Carvalho RS, de Souza CM, Neves JC, Holanda-Pinto SA, Pinto LM, Brito GA, de Andrade GM.

Source

Laboratory of Neurosciences and Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel Nunes de Melo, 1127, CEP 60430-270, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. roseperio@yahoo.com.br

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The present study investigated the effects of venlafaxine, an antidepressant drug with immunoregulatory properties on the inflammatory response and bone loss associated with experimental periodontal disease (EPD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Wistar rats were subjected to a ligature placement around the second upper left molar. The treated groups received orally venlafaxine (10 or 50 mg/kg) one hour before the experimental periodontal disease induction and daily for 10 days. Vehicle-treated experimental periodontal disease and a sham-operated (SO) controls were included. Bone loss was analyzed morphometrically and histopathological analysis was based on cell influx, alveolar bone, and cementum integrity. Lipid peroxidation quantification and immunohistochemistry to TNF-alpha and iNOS were performed.

RESULTS:

Experimental periodontal disease rats showed an intense bone loss compared to SO ones (SO = 1.61 +/- 1.36; EPD = 4.47 +/- 1.98 mm, p < 0.001) and evidenced increased cellular infiltration and immunoreactivity for TNF-alpha and iNOS. Venlafaxine treatment while at low dose (10 mg/kg) afforded no significant protection against bone loss (3.25 +/- 1.26 mm), a high dose (50 mg/kg) caused significantly enhanced bone loss (6.81 +/- 3.31 mm, p < 0.05). Venlafaxine effectively decreased the lipid peroxidation but showed no significant change in TNF-alpha or iNOS immunoreactivity.