RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of systemically administered Capparis spinosa extract (CSE) on expanded sutures in rats via three dimensionally morphometric method (stereological method). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were used. Subjects were divided into four groups, each with eight rats. Orthopaedic expansion force was applied for 5 days to maxillary incisors by attaching springs. Control-1 and CSE-1 waited 1 week for consolidation, and Control-2 and CSE-2 waited 2 weeks for consolidation. After the consolidation period, the subjects were sacrificed. Stereological examination was performed to determine the volume and area of new bone, connective tissue, and capillaries. RESULTS: New bone area, new bone volume, connective tissue space, and connective tissue volume were statistically different in CSE-1 compared to Control-1. But there were no statistically difference between CSE-2 and Control_2. In terms of the volume of blood vessels and vascular area, there were no statistically significant differences when comparing Groups CSE-1 and Control-1 or CSE-2 and Control-2. CONCLUSION: Systemic use of CSE accelerated fastened osteoblastic activity in the early period.