Inherent physical characteristics and gene expression differences between alveolar and basal bones

The objective of this study was to evaluate the baseline differences between alveolar and basal areas of the rat mandible.

Rat mandibular alveolar and basal bones were evaluated using histology and micro-computed tomography to compare osteocyte number as well as bone density and architecture and polymerase chain reaction to measure gene expression levels.

Micro-computed tomography data indicated that basal bone is denser and less porous than alveolar bone. Histologic analysis showed that alveolar bone has more osteocytes per unit area compared with basal bone. Real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed higher levels of expression of the following genes in basal bone than in alveolar bone: SOST, E-11, DMP-1, and MEPE.

Three of these gene products are associated with mature osteocytes, and this suggests that basal bone has more mature osteocyte phenotypes compared with alveolar bone. These findings are suggestive of fewer bone mineralization units and therefore a slower remodeling rate.