Eicosanoids: physiology update and orthodontic implications

The eicosanoids are members of a group of substances comprising prostaglandins and leukotrienes which are released by a host of mechanical, thermal, bacterial and other insults and contribute importantly to the signs and genesis of inflammation (Brain and Williams 1990, Dusting 1989 Moncada et al. 1985, Salmon and Higgs 1987). In this review we examine the increasing number of reports on the actions of eicosanoids on the dentoalveolar complex. In addition, since it is desirable for the orthodontist to have a sound knowledge, not only of the roles of eicosanoids in tooth movement, but also of their basic general physiology, an overview of the latter area is presented.