ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant drug, which is commonly used by children and teenagers. This age group receives most orthodontic treatment. Effect of this drug on tooth movement is unknown. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methylphenidate on orthodontic tooth movement and histological features of bone tissue in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two Wistar rats (male) were selected and divided to three groups, randomly (n=14). The control group (Group 1) received no drug, the experimental Group 2 received a constant dose of methylphenidate daily for 14 days while the experimental Group 3 received increasing doses of methylphenidate daily. To exert force, a NiTi coil spring was placed between the maxillary right first molar and the maxillary right central incisor. At the end of the study period, the amount of tooth movement was measured and then the rats were sacrificed for histological analysis of bone tissue. Differences between the experimental groups were analysed using Kruskal-wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the amount of orthodontic tooth movement or osteoclasts and lacunae, between the experimental groups (p>0.05). Mann-Whitney U analysis showed significant differences in the depth of resorption lacuna between Group 2 and 3 (p=0.037). CONCLUSION: Methylphenidate has no significant effect on orthodontic tooth movement or histological features of bone tissue in rats.
