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Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Dental Pulp Research with Improved Mouse Models
Published on: October 27, 2023
An Animal Model of Pulpitis Based on an Outbred Mice Strain and Its Histological Analysis
Arshad Hasan1, Talat Roome2, Mohsin Wahid3
1Department of Operative Dentistry, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences; arshad.hasan@duhs.edu.pk.
Abstract:
The Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice have not been reported previously for creating a dental pulp inflammation model. In this protocol, we present an animal model employing NMRI mice and provide detailed histological procedures for the pulpitis model to ensure reproducibility. We included 70 NMRI mice that were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (n=35), in which pulpitis was induced by the pulp exposure alone, and Group B (n=35), which received pulp exposure followed by Zymosan application. After the pulp exposure of the right maxillary molar, animals were sacrificed at designated time intervals (0, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h). The maxillary jaw was obtained for histology and quantitative histomorphological analysis. A time-dependent gradual increase in inflammation was observed in histological analysis for both groups. Both animal models allowed the study of inflammation up to 72 h. The technique presented in this paper is reproducible and will help standardize the histological study of pulpitis.
Insights
This study introduces a reproducible dental pulp inflammation model using Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice. The developed histological technique allows for standardized pulpitis research up to 72 hours.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Dental pulp inflammation (pulpitis) models are crucial for understanding pulpal responses.
- Existing animal models for pulpitis may lack standardization or detailed histological protocols.
- Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice have not been previously utilized for dental pulp inflammation modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate a reproducible animal model for dental pulp inflammation using NMRI mice.
- To detail histological procedures for assessing pulpitis in this novel model.
- To provide a standardized method for studying pulpitis development and inflammation progression.
Main Methods:
- Seventy NMRI mice were divided into two groups: pulp exposure alone (Group A) and pulp exposure with Zymosan application (Group B).
- Pulpitis was induced in the right maxillary molar.
- Animals were sacrificed at set intervals (0-72 hours) for histological and histomorphological analysis of the maxillary jaw.
Main Results:
- Histological analysis revealed a time-dependent increase in inflammation in both experimental groups.
- The model successfully allowed for the study of inflammation progression up to 72 hours post-induction.
- Both pulp exposure alone and pulp exposure with Zymosan application induced a reproducible inflammatory response.
Conclusions:
- A reproducible dental pulp inflammation model using NMRI mice has been successfully developed.
- The detailed histological protocol ensures standardization for future pulpitis research.
- This model provides a valuable tool for investigating the pathogenesis and treatment of dental pulp inflammation.
