title: A morphologic comparison of gingival changes influenced by cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats: an experimental study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to compare the morphologic changes in the gingiva brought about by the administration of cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted on 30 six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into three groups of 10 rats each, for a period of 4 weeks. Group I rats received cyclosporin (30 mg/kg body weight), and group II rats received tacrolimus (1.5 mg/kg body weight), by means of a gavage. Group III served as control and received olive oil alone. Impressions of the mandibular incisal region were made weekly, and stone casts were prepared for measuring morphologic changes of the gingiva.
  
  
  RESULTS
  An increase in the measured gingival dimensions was observed in the test groups as early as week 2 after the commencement of drug administration. Intergroup comparison revealed that the increase in the measured dimensions was greater in group I than group II at the end of 4 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cyclosporin and tacrolimus were capable of causing gingival enlargement in Sprague-Dawley rats. However, the magnitude of tacrolimus-influenced gingival enlargement seemed to be comparatively less than cyclosporin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka State, India.
authors.forename: Ashwin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prabhu
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Mehta
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003761:Dental Impression Technique; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D003765:Models, Dental; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D016572:Cyclosporine; D016559:Tacrolimus