Histological analysis of orthodontic root resorption in rats treated with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that anti-inflammatory drugs used for treatment of pain and discomfort related to orthodontic treatment could slow down tooth movement. However, the effect of these drugs on orthodontic root resorption is not well understood. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib offers some protection against orthodontically induced root resorption. DESIGN: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Groups I and II were treated with saline and celecoxib (10 mg / kg), respectively for 3 days. Groups III and IV were treated with saline and celecoxib for 14 days. The upper left first molars of all rats were moved mesially for 14 days with 50 g of force. An area including the disto-apical aspect of the mesial root of the first molar was processed for histological and histochemical techniques with tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). OUTCOME MEASURE: The degree of root resorption was measured using an image analysis system with a grid-sheet superimposed in the root were resorption lacunae were counted. The number of TRAP-positive cells on the tooth root surface defined as odontoclasts were also evaluated. RESULTS: The results revealed that there were no significant differences in the degree of root resorption and in the number of odontoclasts on the root between the four groups studied. CONCLUSION: The short and long-term celecoxib administration did not suppress the root resorption in case of experimental orthodontic force application.