Evaluating Tooth Development in Newborn Rats Following Propofol Exposure

Overview

This study investigated the effects of the intravenous anesthetic propofol on third molar development during infancy in rats. Since both brain and teeth originate from neural crest cells, the aim was to determine whether propofol exposure during critical growth periods could influence dental tissue formation. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups and one control group. The experimental groups received propofol injections at doses of 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, and 75 mg/kg, while the control group received 0.9% sterile saline. Treatments were administered on postnatal days 2 and 4, during the period of third molar formation. On postnatal day 42, the rats were sacrificed, and mandibles were evaluated using histology and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Parameters assessed included dentin thickness, pulp chamber dimensions, root length and thickness, crown-to-root distance, and the number of roots and canals. Histological analysis revealed irregularities and calcification in the predentin layer across all treatment groups, whereas the control group showed no abnormalities. Radiological findings demonstrated a significant increase in dentin thickness at 40 mg/kg and a reduction in pulp size at both 20 mg/kg and 75 mg/kg (p<0.05). Other parameters, including root morphology and the number of root canals, showed no significant differences among the groups. Early-life exposure to propofol may alter dental development, particularly by increasing dentin deposition and reducing pulp chamber size. These preliminary findings suggest a potential link between neonatal propofol use and structural changes in teeth. Further long-term studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these effects and assess their clinical relevance.

 

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Corresponding Author:

Abdullah Tolga Şitilci, MD
Assistant Professor at Istanbul University Dentistry Faculty, Anesthesiology Department
tolgasitilci@gmail.com | tolgasitilci@yahoo.com
ORCID: 0000-0002-7279-9902

Sezin Akçay Özer, DDS, PhD
Private Practice, Özel Çapa Diş Polikliniği
Şehremini Mah. Büyük Saray Meydanı Cd. 62/B, 34104 Fatih/İstanbul
sezinakcay@hotmail.com
ORCID: 0000-0002-5795-6287

Selin Gaş, DDS, PhD
Assistant Professor at Beykent University Faculty of Dentistry
Beykent, Istanbul, 34550
selingas@beykent.edu.tr
ORCID: 0000-0002-9582-5114

Tuğba Kotil, PhD
Assistant Professor at Istanbul University Medical Faculty, Histology and Embryology
Department
tkotil@istanbul.edu.tr
ORCID: 0000-0003-1261-0597

Cem Horozoğlu, PhD
Assistant Professor at Istanbul Gelisim University Medical Sciences College
Cihangir Mahallesi, Şehit Jandarma Komando Er Hakan Öner Sokak No:1 C Blok Kat:1,
Avcılar/İstanbul
chorozoglu@gelisim.edu.tr
ORCID: 0000-0001-8998-2028

Fatma Zeynep Aytepe, DDS, PhD
Professor at Istanbul University Dentistry Faculty, Pedodontics Department
ytepez@istanbul.edu.tr

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