RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expression of autophagy-related protein Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 2 light chain 3 (LC3Ⅱ) in periodontal ligament cells in orthodontic tooth pressure areas.@*METHODS@#Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group and nine experimental groups. In the experimental groups, 0.392 N orthodontic force was used to move the first right upper molars for 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, or 7 d. The blank control group did not receive any treatment. The rats were euthanized. Changes in the morphology of the periodontal membrane in the pressure areas were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed for the counting of osteoclasts.@*RESULTS@#The HE stains showed that the hyalinization of the periodontal ligament appeared in the pressure areas after 1 day of exertion and was gradually aggravated. The immunohistochemical stains showed that the expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ in the experimental groups gradually increased, peaked after 1 h, and then gradually decreased. The expression levels peaked again after 1 d, then decreased to baseline levels at 7 d of exertion. Beclin-1 and LC3Ⅱ were expressed in the osteoclasts. The TRAP stains indicated that the number of osteoclasts started to increase after 1 day.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Autophagy may participate in the process of periodontal ligament reconstruction in orthodontic tooth pressure areas by mediating the hyalinization of periodontal ligament and affecting the biological effects of osteoclasts.