• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.159-174
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• 2008

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether cortical punching could stimulate the expression of OPG, RANK, and RANKL during tooth movement by immunohistochemistry. Methods: 34 sprague-dawley rats (15 weeks old) were allocated into 3 groups: TMC group (experimental group; Tooth Movement with Corticotomy, n = 16), TM group (control group; Tooth Movement only group, n = 16), and non-treatment group (n = 2). 20 gm of orthodontic force was applied to rat incisors by inserting elastic bands. The duration of force application was 1, 4, 7 and 14 days. A microscrew (diameter 1.2 mm) was used for cortical punching of the palatal side of the upper incisors in the TMC group. Results: Distributions of OPG, RANK, and RANKL were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. OPG, RANK and RANKL were observed on experimental and control groups. On the compression side, the degree of the expression of OPG decreased in both groups. The expression of RANK was most prominent in the experimental group of day 4. The expression of RANKL was most intensive and extensive in the experimental group of day 7. However, the expression of OPG was decreased in the experimental and control groups compared to the non treatment group. The expression of OPG, RANK and RANKL after force application were decreased at day 14. Conclusions: These findings suggested that cortical punching might stimulate remodeling of alveolar bone during a 2 week period of tooth movement without any pathologic change.