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Effect of Systemic Administration of Amitriptyline on Oral Microbes in Rats
Kazunori Ninomiya1, Durga Paudel2, Osamu Uehara3
1Department of Pharmacology, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Niigata, Niigata, Japan.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|September 13, 2022
Summary
Amitriptyline treatment altered oral bacteria and increased antimicrobial peptides in rats, suggesting effects on oral health. This study investigated the impact of this antidepressant on the oral microbiome and innate immunity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is used for orofacial pain.
- Antidepressants are known to alter gut microbiota.
- The impact of antidepressants on oral microbiota and immunity is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of amitriptyline on oral microflora.
- To assess the impact of amitriptyline on antimicrobial peptide expression in oral tissues.
Main Methods:
- Rats received intraperitoneal amitriptyline for two weeks.
- Oral microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Antimicrobial peptide mRNA levels were quantified via RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Amitriptyline significantly altered oral bacterial composition (e.g., Corynebacterium, Rothia, Porphyromonas) and beta diversity.
- Predicted metagenome functions differed significantly between groups.
- mRNA expression of antimicrobial peptides was significantly higher in the amitriptyline group.
Conclusions:
- Systemic amitriptyline administration impacts oral microbial communities.
- Amitriptyline may influence innate immunity in the oral mucosa.
