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Occlusal disharmonies modulate central catecholaminergic activity in the rat
M P Areso1, M T Giralt, B Sainz
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
Journal of Dental Research
|June 17, 1999
Summary
Occlusal disharmonies can alter brain chemistry, affecting dopamine and noradrenaline activity. These changes depend on the type and duration of the dental alteration, impacting neurotransmission.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dental Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Occlusal disharmonies and central neurotransmission alterations, particularly dopaminergic, are implicated in bruxism.
- The direct link between occlusal disharmonies and central neurotransmission remains unestablished.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different occlusal disharmonies on dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity in rat brain regions.
- To determine the influence of the duration of occlusal alterations on neurochemical indices.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to occlusal disharmonies (acrylic cap or incisor cutting) for 1 or 14 days.
- Tyrosine hydroxylase activity (measured by DOPA accumulation), dopamine, and noradrenaline levels were quantified in the striatum, frontal cortex, and hypothalamus.
- High-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used for quantification.
Main Results:
- Wearing an acrylic cap for 1 day significantly increased DOPA accumulation and dopamine/noradrenaline levels in specific brain regions.
- After 14 days, DOPA accumulation returned to baseline, except in the left striatum, indicating hemispheric imbalance.
- Incisor cutting induced less pronounced changes, with cutting a single lower incisor showing no significant effect on measured neurochemicals.
Conclusions:
- Occlusal disharmonies modulate central catecholaminergic neurotransmission.
- The observed neurochemical changes are dependent on the nature of the occlusal alteration and its duration.
- This study provides experimental evidence linking dental alterations to central neurotransmitter system activity.