Histologic study of pulp capping in rat molars using calcitonin.
Calcitonin, a calcium regulating hormone, has been found to affect bone formation and resorption. In this study a calcitonin preparation and a calcium hydroxide preparation for comparison were applied to both exposed and unexposed rat molar pulps. Histologic examinations were conducted after periods of 1 day to 28 days. Calcium hydroxide pulp caps produced varying amounts of secondary dentin and inflammation. Calcitonin applied as an indirect agent had a similar effect. When calcitonin was applied to exposed pulp, a large amount of dense fibrous connective tissue reminiscent of scar tissue was formed. With increased time this connective tissue exhibited signs of progressive, orderly calcification continuing through a large portion of the coronal pulp.
D000818:Animals; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000494:pharmacology; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000187:drug effects*; D003785:Dental Pulp Capping; D003809:Dentin, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced; D008963:Molar / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors
D002116:Calcitonin; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide