Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
04:11
The Establishment of a Murine Maxillary Orthodontic Model
Published on: October 27, 2023
Low-energy laser stimulates tooth movement velocity via expression of RANK and RANKL
S Fujita1, M Yamaguchi, T Utsunomiya
1Department of Orthodontics, Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. fujita.shouji@nihon-u.ac.jp
Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research
|August 21, 2008
Summary
Low-energy laser irradiation accelerates tooth movement in rats by increasing receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK) expression. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels remained unchanged.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthodontics
- Laser Therapy
Background:
- Low-energy laser irradiation is known to stimulate bone formation.
- The role of laser irradiation in osteoclastogenesis is not well understood.
- The RANK/RANKL/OPG system is crucial for osteoclastogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of low-energy laser irradiation on the expression of RANK, RANKL, and OPG during experimental tooth movement.
- To determine if laser irradiation influences the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.
Main Methods:
- Experimental tooth movement was induced in rats using orthodontic force.
- The affected area was irradiated with a Ga-Al-As diode laser.
- Tooth movement was measured over 7 days.
- Immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were used to analyze RANK, RANKL, and OPG expression.
Main Results:
- Laser irradiation significantly increased the amount of tooth movement.
- Expressions of RANKL and RANK were significantly elevated in the irradiation group.
- OPG expression showed no significant change.
- RANK expression was detected early in irradiated osteoclast precursor cells.
Conclusions:
- Low-energy laser irradiation enhances the velocity of tooth movement.
- This effect is mediated by the induction of RANK and RANKL.
- Laser therapy may be a valuable adjunct in orthodontic treatment.
