Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus on alveolar bone deposition in the rat

Effects of diabetes on alveolar bone remodelling were assessed by quantitative histology and a chronological lead-labelling technique. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single dose of 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin. Remodelling of the alveolar wall surrounding the root of mandibular first molar was studied in control rats fed ad libitum, and in diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats 24 days after the induction of diabetes. The volumes of bone formation on the mesial side of the alveolar wall were evaluated over a 10-day period by chronological lead-labelling and computer image analysis. For a histometric measure of bone-resorption, the number of osteoclasts along the distal surface of the alveolar wall was counted. The volume of bone formed and the number of osteoclasts were significantly lower in the diabetic rats than in the controls, but insulin treatment of diabetic rats normalised these histomorphometric measures of bone turnover. These results demonstrate that streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus reduces the rate of bone turnover in the alveolar wall surrounding the root, which reduction is corrected by treatment with insulin.