Changes in response properties of periodontal mechanoreceptors after experimental orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Using an in vitro preparation, we investigated chronological changes in response properties of periodontal mechanoreceptors (PMRs) in the rat right mandibular first molar (M1) after experimental orthodontic tooth movement. Orthodontic force was applied to M1 for 14 days by activating 24.5 mN superelastic titanium-nickel alloy closed coil springs anchored to the mandibular incisors. Experiments were performed on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 during application of orthodontic force and on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after removal of orthodontic force. The rats without application of orthodontic force were used as control group. In each group, direct mechanical stimulation using von Frey hairs and electrical stimulation was applied to the distal root of M1. Results showed that compared with controls (1) the mechanical thresholds were significantly lower during application of orthodontic force; however, no significant difference was found after removal of force application and (2) conduction velocities were significantly lower from day 7 during application of orthodontic force to day 14 after removal of orthodontic force; however, no significant difference was found on days 21 and 28 after removal of orthodontic force. These results suggest that the PMRs, although having some of their response properties altered during orthodontic force application, were able to recover and adapt to the newly acquired intraoral condition after removal of the orthodontic force.