Effectiveness of 1-Visit and 2-Visit Endodontic Retreatment of Teeth with Persistent/Secondary Endodontic Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial with 18 Months of Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of endodontic retreatment of teeth with posttreatment apical periodontitis (PTAP) performed in 1 visit versus 2 visits on the reduction of cultivable bacteria (colony-forming units [CFUs]), lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and the periapical lesion volume (mm3) after 18 months of follow-up. METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed with PTAP were selected and randomly divided into the following 2 groups: 1-visit retreatment and 2-visit retreatment with the placement of calcium hydroxide medication for 14 days. Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were performed at 2 stages: preoperatively and after 18 months of follow-up. Samples were collected before and after root canal procedures. A chromogenic limulus amebocyte lysate assay test was used to quantify endotoxins (EU/mL). LTA levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pg/mL). Culture techniques were used to determine cultivable bacteria by counting the CFU (CFU/mL). The volume of the periapical lesions at the onset of the trial and at the 18-month posttreatment follow-up was obtained by the ITK-SNAP program (Cognitica, Philadelphia, PA). RESULTS: All samples showed baseline values greater than those collected after the retreatment protocol for all investigated parameters. A higher bacterial load and lower LTA level were found in the 2-visit group after the retreatment protocol (P < .05), with no statistical differences between the groups regarding endotoxin levels and periapical lesion volume (mm³) at the 18-month follow-up analyzed by cone-beam computed tomographic imaging (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Endodontic retreatment in 1 or 2 visits exhibited equally favorable periapical healing at 18 months, with no statistically significant differences between groups.

Progressão da lesão periapical em animais sob condições de estresse e modulação inflamatória através de bloqueador adrenérgico e inibidor seletivo da recaptação da serotonina / Progression of periapical lesion in animals under stress conditions and inflammatory modulation through adrenergic blocker and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos do estresse crônico sobre a periodontite apical (PA) induzida em ratos, e avaliar os efeitos do uso da Fluoxetina (antidepressivo da classe dos inibidores da recaptação de serotonina) e do Propranolol (bloqueador beta-adrenérgico), associados ou não, na modulação inflamatória e na reabsorção óssea periapical de ratos estressados. Foram utilizados 40 ratos divididos em cinco grupos: Grupo controle não-estressado (NS); Grupo controle estressado com administração de solução fisiológica (SS); Grupo estressado com administração de Fluoxetina (SF); Grupo estressado com administração de Propranolol (SP); Grupo estressado com administração de Fluoxetina e Propranolol (SFP). Os animais dos grupos estressados foram submetidos ao protocolo de estresse crônico imprevisível durante 6 semanas e as respectivas medicações foram administradas diariamente, via gavagem, ao longo de todo o período experimental. A PA foi induzida em todos os grupos após 21 dias do início do protocolo de estresse e ao final da 6ª semana, os animais foram eutanasiados e as hemimandíbulas e hemimaxilas removidas. Posteriormente foram realizadas as seguintes análises: a) da massa corporal; b) dos níveis séricos de corticosterona por radioimunoensaio; c) dos níveis séricos hormonais e inflamatórios por ensaio Multiplex; e) histomorfométrica por coloração com hematoxilina e eosina; f) da estrutura óssea periapical através de microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT); g) da expressão gênica de biomarcadores relacionados à atividade osteoclástica, citocinas inflamatórias e metaloproteinases na região periapical por RT-PCR. Ao final do experimento os animais estressados apresentaram menor ganho de massa corporal, níveis séricos de ACTH significativamente mais altos, atividade inflamatória mais intensa e maiores volumes de lesão periapical quando comparados aos animais do grupo controle NS. Os grupos tratados SF, SP e SFP apresentaram menores volumes de lesão periapical quando comparados ao grupo controle SS, e o grupo SP apresentou menor intensidade do infiltrado inflamatório. O teste de RT-PCR mostrou maior expressão de RANKL e TRAP no grupo controle SS, bem como maior expressão de IL-6, IL-10 e IL-17 e MMP-8 quando comparado ao grupo controle NS. Na comparação em relação ao grupo controle SS, o grupo SF apresentou maior expressão de OPG, e menor expressão de IL-6 e IL-17; o grupo SP apresentou maior expressão de OPG e menor expressão de IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, MMP-8 e MMP-13, e o grupo SFP apresentou menor expressão de RANKL, TRAP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, MMP-8 e MMP-13. Foi concluído que o estresse crônico influenciou negativamente a patogênese da PA e ambos os medicamentos avaliados, bem como sua associação, tiveram efeitos positivos na prevenção da perda óssea e modulação inflamatória.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chronic stress on induced apical periodontitis (AP) in rats, and to evaluate the effects of the use of fluoxetine (antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), and of Propranolol (beta-adrenergic blocker), associated or not, in inflammatory modulation and periapical bone resorption in stressed rats. Forty rats were divided into five groups: Unstressed control group (NS); Stressed control group with saline solution administration (SS); Stressed group with administration of Fluoxetine (SF); Stressed group with administration of Propranolol (SP); Stressed group with administration of Fluoxetine and Propranolol (SFP). The animals in the stressed groups were submitted to the unpredictable chronic stress paradigm for 6 weeks and the respective medications were administered daily, via gavage, throughout the entire experimental period. AP was induced in all groups, 21 days after the beginning of the stress paradigm, and at the end of the 6th week, the animals were euthanized and the hemi-mandibles removed for the following analyses: a) body weight b) serum corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay; c) hormone and inflammatory serum levels by Multiplex assay; e) histomorphometric staining with hematoxylin and eosin; f) the periapical bone structure through computerized microtomography; g) gene expression related to osteoclastic activity, inflammatory cytokines and metalloproteinases in the periapical region by RT-PCR. At the end of the experiment, the stressed animals showed lower body weight gain, significantly higher levels of ACTH, more intense inflammatory infiltrate and higher volumes of periapical lesion when compared to animals in the NS control group. The treated groups SF, SP and SFP had smaller volumes of periapical lesion when compared to the SS control group and the SP group had lower intensity of inflammatory infiltrate. The RT-PCR test showed higher expression of RANKL and TRAP in the stressed control group, as well as higher expression of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and MMP-8 when compared to the NS control group. In comparison with the SS control group, the SF group showed higher expression of OPG, and lower expression of IL-6 and IL-17; the SP group showed higher expression of OPG and lower expression of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, MMP-8 and MMP-13 and the SFP group showed lower expression of RANKL, TRAP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, MMP-8 and MMP-13. It was concluded that chronic stress negatively influenced the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis and both medications evaluated, as well as its association, had positive effects in preventing bone loss and inflammatory modulation.

Primary versus post-treatment apical periodontitis: microbial composition, lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acid levels, signs and symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the microbial load and composition and to determine the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) concentrations found in primary apical periodontitis (PAP) and post-treatment apical periodontitis (PTAP), correlating these findings with clinical/tomographic features. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients with PAP (31) and PTAP (29) were submitted to clinical and tomographic assessment. Samples were collected from each root canal using paper points for microbiological assessment (culture technique and Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization) and determination of LPS and LTA levels (limulus amebocyte lysate and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively). Data were correlated with clinical/tomographic findings and statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Pearson correlation tests (α = 5%). RESULTS: A higher number of cultivable bacteria and LPS were found in PAP (p < 0.05). The median number of species per root canal found in PAP and PTAP was 9 and 22, respectively (p < 0.05). LPS was positively correlated with a larger periapical lesion volume (p < .05). LTA levels were similar in both infections and had no correlation with signs and symptoms. In PAP, gram-positive bacteria were correlated with spontaneous pain (p < .05) and exudate (p < .05). Tenderness to percussion and pain on palpation were correlated to the presence of both gram-positive and negative bacteria. In PTAP, a positive correlation was observed between both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with exudate and periapical lesion volume (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: PAP had higher contents of microbial load and LPS compared with PTAP. However, PTAP presented a more diverse microbiota compared with PAP. Higher content of LPS was positively correlated with larger periapical bone destruction, whereas signs and symptoms with specific microorganisms. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It was verified that PAP and PTAP are polymicrobial infections with predominance of gram-negative bacteria and a more diverse bacterial population found in PTAP. A wide interaction of specific microbial species resulted in different clinical features in both infections.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-resorptive efficacy of adrenergic blockers on late replanted rat incisors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In addition to their anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoclastogenesis properties, adrenergic blockers may also have promising anti-resorptive effects that can prevent root resorption when teeth are replanted because of avulsion. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of phentolamine (Ph) and propranolol (Pr) in gels on the repair process of late replanted rat incisors. A further aim was to evaluate the biocompatibility of both drugs to human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight maxillary right incisors were extracted from male Wistar rats, stored in paper napkins for 60 minutes, and randomly allocated to one of eight groups (n = 6). The root canal, root surface, and alveolus were treated with 0.75 µg/mL Ph gel (Ph0.75), 10 µg/mL Ph gel (Ph10), 100 µg/mL Ph gel (Ph100), 2.5 µg/mL Pr gel (Pr2.5), 10 µg/mL Pr gel (Pr10), 100 µg/mL Pr gel (Pr100), or sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel (CMC) before replantation. In the control group (CH), only the root canal was treated with calcium hydroxide paste. Thirty days following surgery, the animals were euthanized, and the right hemimaxilla was removed to perform micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis to determine osteoclastic activity. Ethanolic solutions of Ph10 and Pr10 were selected based on the in vivo study, and the viability of HPDLFs stimulated with lipopolysaccharide was determined by MTT assays. RESULTS: The micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis revealed no significant differences among the treatments (P > .05). The presence of active osteoclasts was significantly decreased in the Ph10 and Pr10 groups (P < .05). Ph10 and Pr10 produced statistically similar cell survival rates compared to the control group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Ph10 and Pr10 significantly decreased osteoclastogenesis in delayed replanted rat teeth and were not cytotoxic toward HPDLFs.

In vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effect of N-acetylcysteine and Photodynamic Therapy on Root Canals Infected with Enterococcus faecalis.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and NAC with supplemental PDT in optimizing the removal of bacteria from infected dentinal tubules of root canals infected with Enterococcus (E.) faecalis biofilm. Methods and Materials: Eighty human teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=16) according to the intracanal medication used: saline solution (control); calcium hydroxide (CH); NAC; PDT; NAC+PDT. Ten samples from each group were prepared for microbiological culture analysis (CFU/mL) and were inoculated with E. faecalis suspension for 21 days for biofilm development; the other six samples from each group were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and submitted to a 5-days contamination protocol including eight centrifugation cycles on every other day for dentinal tubules infection. For antimicrobial activity analysis by microbiological culture (CFU/mL), the root canals were contaminated with E. faecalis biofilm, instrumented and then medicated according to the experimental groups. Three samples were collected from the root canals: after 21-days of contamination, immediately after the instrumentation and 14-days after the medication according to the experimental groups. The morphology of E. faecalis biofilm on the root canal walls and bacterial cells viability were assessed by means of SEM and CLSM, respectively. One-way ANOVA and Repeated Measures ANOVA tests were used to analyze the obtained data statistically. Results: CFU/mL analysis showed that CH, NAC and NAC+PDT promoted greater antibacterial activity with statistically significant difference compared to saline solution and PDT (P<0.0001). However, saline solution and PDT were statistically similar (P>0.07). Illustrative images by SEM confirmed partially the CFU/mL results. CLSM showed that all groups were effective eliminating E. faecalis except for the saline solution group. Conclusions: Based on this in vitro study NAC was bactericidal against E. faecalis biofilms regardless PDT stimulation, presenting similar antimicrobial activity to CH.

Effect of passive ultrasonic activation on microorganisms in primary root canal infection: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of passive ultrasonic activation (PUA) in eliminating microorganisms in primary endodontic infection (PEI) after instrumentation of root canals using microbiological culture and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. METHODOLOGY: Twenty root canals with PEI and apical periodontitis were selected. The root canals were instrumented and then randomly divided into 2 groups, according to the irrigation method: PUA and conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Microbiological samples were collected before instrumentation (S1), after instrumentation (S2) and after irrigation with 17% EDTA (S3). The samples were subjected to anaerobic culture technique and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization analysis. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between CNI (23.56%) and PUA (98.37%) regarding the median percentage values for culturable bacteria reduction (p<0.05). In the initial samples, the most frequently detected species was S. constellatus (50%), and after root canal treatment was E. faecalis (50%). CONCLUSION: Both treatments significantly decreased the number of bacterial species compared with the initial sample. However, no statistical difference in the total microbial load between PUA and CNI groups was detected. The number of cultivable anaerobic bacteria reduced significantly using PUA, and the bacterial composition and number of bacterial species after using either CNI or PUA was similar.

The influence of adrenergic blockade in rats with apical periodontitis under chronic stress conditions.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of chronic stress and adrenergic blockade in a rat model of apical periodontitis. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were submitted to an animal model of periapical lesion and randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8): no stress (NS); stress + saline solution (SS); stress + ß-adrenergic blocker (Sß); stress + α-adrenergic blocker (Sα). The SS, Sß and Sα groups were submitted to an animal model of chronic stress for 28 days and received daily injections of saline solution, propranolol (ß adrenergic blocker) and phentolamine (α adrenergic blocker), respectively. After 28 days the animals were euthanized and the following analyses were carried out: a) serum corticosterone levels through Radioimmunoassay; b) measurement of serum levels of IL-1B, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); c) volume of periapical bone resorption by micro-computed tomography; d) histomorphometric analysis by staining with hematoxylin and eosin; e) expression of ß-AR, α-AR, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) by immunohistochemistry; f) tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining; g) ex-vivo cytokine release followed by the stimulation with LPS in superfusion system, by ELISA. RESULTS: SS group displayed significantly higher corticosterone levels than NS group (non-stressed). Higher IL-1ß serum level was observed in the NS group (p < .05); compared to all stressed groups. Other cytokines were present in similar amounts in the serum of all groups. All groups presented similar periapical lesions. All groups presented moderate inflammatory infiltrate, without statistically significant differences between them. No differences were observed regarding ß-AR, α-AR, Rank-L and OPG expression. The number of TRAP-positive cells was significantly decreased in the groups that received daily injections of adrenergic blockers. The IL-1ß release followed LPS stimulation was significantly suppressed when the superfusion media contained propranolol (p < .05). Perfusion containing phentolamine induced a greater release of IL-10. TGF-ß was significantly suppressed by phentolamine perfusion in the NS group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic stress can significantly change the inflammatory cytokines release. Rank-L/OPG system and periapical lesion volume were not affected following the current method applied. The administration of adrenergic blockers was not able to modulate the inflammatory response but presented effectivity in reducing the number of osteoclasts in the periapical region.

Effect of passive ultrasonic activation on microorganisms in primary root canal infection: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: This clinical study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of passive ultrasonic activation (PUA) in eliminating microorganisms in primary endodontic infection (PEI) after instrumentation of root canals using microbiological culture and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Methodology: Twenty root canals with PEI and apical periodontitis were selected. The root canals were instrumented and then randomly divided into 2 groups, according to the irrigation method: PUA and conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Microbiological samples were collected before instrumentation (S1), after instrumentation (S2) and after irrigation with 17% EDTA (S3). The samples were subjected to anaerobic culture technique and checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization analysis. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between CNI (23.56%) and PUA (98.37%) regarding the median percentage values for culturable bacteria reduction (p<0.05). In the initial samples, the most frequently detected species was S. constellatus (50%), and after root canal treatment was E. faecalis (50%). Conclusion: Both treatments significantly decreased the number of bacterial species compared with the initial sample. However, no statistical difference in the total microbial load between PUA and CNI groups was detected. The number of cultivable anaerobic bacteria reduced significantly using PUA, and the bacterial composition and number of bacterial species after using either CNI or PUA was similar.

Effect of EDTA and QMIX Ultrasonic Activation on the Reduction of Microorganisms and Endotoxins in Ex Vivo Human Root Canals.

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of QMiX and 17% EDTA associated to passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) or manual agitation (MA) on the reduction of E. faecalis, E. coli and LPS from root canals. Forty single rooted human teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=10), according to the final irrigation protocol: EDTA+MA, QMiX+MA, EDTA+PUI, QMiX+PUI. Sample collections were obtained from the root canal content immediately before preparation (baseline-S1), after instrumentation (S2), after final irrigation protocol (S3) and 7 days after instrumentation and final irrigation (S4). The antimicrobial effectivity and on endotoxin content were analyzed by culture procedure (CFU/mL) and LAL assay (EU/mL), respectively. The results were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman test (α=5%). QMiX+MA and QMiX+PUI reduced 100% of E. coli and E. faecalis bacteria and also prevented E. faecalisregrowth at S4. EDTA significantly reduced E. coli, but it was not effective in reducing E. faecalis. All protocols reduced EU/mL when compared to S1, however at S4 there was a significant reduction of EU/mL only in the QMiX+MA and QMiX+PUI groups in relation to S3 and S2, respectively. Final irrigation with QMiX associated with MA or PUI had superior antibacterial efficacy compared to EDTA, eliminating 100% of E. coli and E. faecalis strains. In addition, QMiX+PUI reduced 97.61% of the initial content of LPS.

Effectiveness in the Removal of Endotoxins and Microbiological Profile in Primary Endodontic Infections Using 3 Different Instrumentation Systems: A Randomized Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: This clinical study was conducted to correlate the microbiological profile and levels of endotoxins found in primary endodontic infection with the presence of clinical features and to evaluate the removal of microorganisms and endotoxins using rotary, reciprocating, and hybrid systems for biomechanical preparation. METHODS: Thirty single root canals with primary endodontic infection were evaluated with signs and symptoms and were randomly divided into 3 groups according to the instrumentation system used (n = 10) as follows: rotary Mtwo instruments (VDW, Munich, Germany) with 8 files, the reciprocating Reciproc system (VDW) with a single file, and Genius hybrid instruments with 3 files (1 rotary and 2 reciprocating files) with irrigation using 24 mL 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Samples were collected before (S1) and after instrumentation (S2) before being submitted to microbiological culture (colony-forming units/mL) and the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization test. Endotoxins were quantified using the limulus amebocyte lysate assay. RESULTS: Microbiological culture showed statistical differences in the reduction of colony-forming units/mL with all systems tested (P < .05), but no statistical difference was found among the groups. The most frequently detected species were Capnocytophaga ochracea (53%) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (53%) at S1 and F. nucleatum (50%) and Leptotrichia buccalis (50%) at S2. As for the reduction of endotoxins at S2, Mtwo presented the best results (95.05%) followed by the Genius (91.85%) and Reciproc (64.68%) groups, but no statistical difference was found among the groups. Previous pain, tenderness to percussion, and presence of a sinus tract were associated with specific microorganisms (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Signs and symptoms were correlated with microorganisms. Endodontic treatment was effective in reducing bacteria and endotoxins but was not capable of completely removing them from the root canal.

Marginal leakage of temporary restoration after intraradicular post preparation with or without waterproofing / Infiltração marginal de restauração temporária após o preparo de pino intrarradicular com ou sem impermeabilização

Objective: This study evaluated the leakage volume of 1% Rhodamine B which received or not an internal waterproofing material. The hypothesis is that the waterproofing reduces microleakage. Material and Methods: Forty-two human teeth were selected for this study. After access, preparation, and filling of root canals, the teeth were divided into 3 groups: GI ­ sealed with Cimpat Blanc®, without intraradicular post/core preparation; GII - sealed with Cimpat Blanc®, with intraradicular post/core preparation, and GIII ­ sealed with Cimpat Blanc®, with intraradicular post/core preparation and internal waterproofing material with ethyl cyanoacrylate. T-test was used to analyze difference between initial and final weight and there was difference (p < 0.05). To analyze infiltration of the colorant, the volume was the comparison variable. Results: Shapiro Wilktest was applied and showed normal distribution of the variables. ANOVA (p = 0.0013 / p< 0.5). Conclusion: In endodontically treated teeth receiving temporary restoration, the use of ethyl cyanoacrylate as internal waterproofing material is effective in preventing microleakage. (AU)

Objetivos: Este estudo avaliou o volume de infiltração de Rhodamine B 1% com ou sem impermeabilização interna. A hipótese é que a impermeabilização reduz a microinfiltração. Material e Métodos: Foram selecionados 42 dentes humanos para este estudo. Após o acesso, o preparo e a obturação dos canais radiculares, os dentes foram divididos em 3 grupos: GI - sem preparo para núcleo intrarradicular e selado com Cimpat Blanc®; GII - com preparo para núcleo intrarradicular e selado com Cimpat Blanc®, e GIII - com preparo para núcleo intrarradicular, impermeabilizado internamente com cianoacrilato de etila e selado com Cimpat Blanc®. O teste T foi utilizado para analisar a diferença entre o peso inicial e o peso final (p < 0,05). Para analisar a infiltração do corante, o volume era a variável de comparação. Resultados: o teste de Shapiro Wilk foi aplicado e mostrou distribuição normal das variáveis. O teste ANOVA (p = 0,0013 / p < 5%) foi aplicado e determinou uma diferença estatística entre os grupos. Ao comparar os grupos em conjunto, GIII mostra a menor taxa de vazamento quando comparado aos outros grupos, sendo estatisticamente diferente (teste de Tukey - p < 0,5). Conclusão: Nos dentes endodonticamente tratados com restauração temporária, o uso de cianoacrilato de etila como material impermeabilizante interno é eficaz na prevenção da microinfiltração (AU)

O estresse crônico e a via de sinalização adrenérgica no desenvolvimento da lesão periapical / Chronic stress and the adrenergic signaling pathway on the development of periapical lesion

Os objetivos deste estudo são: 1) Esclarecer a possível associação entre o estresse crônico e a estimulação do Sistema Nervoso Simpático (SNS) e investigar sua interferência no desenvolvimento e progressão da lesão periapical; 2) Avaliar a quantidade de receptores para os neurotransmissores na região periapical; 3) Elucidar uma via farmacológica de modulação inflamatória através do uso de bloqueadores adrenérgicos. Trinta e dois ratos Wistar foram submetidos à modelo animal de lesão periapical através da exposição da cavidade pulpar e em seguida foram aleatoriamente divididos em 4 grupos: sem estresse (NS); estresse + solução salina (SS); estresse + ß-bloqueador (Sß); estresse + α-bloqueador (Sα). Os grupos SS, Sß e Sα foram submetidos à modelo animal de estresse crônico durante 28 dias e receberam injeções diárias de solução salina, propranolol (ß bloqueador adrenérgico) e fentolamina (α bloqueador adrenérgico), respectivamente. Após 28 dias os animais foram eutanasiados e procedeu-se as seguintes análises: a) dos níveis séricos de corticosterona através de Radioimunoensaio; b) histomorfométrica por coloração com hematoxilina e eosina; c) da estrutura óssea periapical através de microtomografia computadorizada (micro-CT); d) expressão de receptores ß e α adrenérgicos; e) da atividade osteoclástica através de histoquímica para fosfatase ácida resistente ao tartarato (TRAP). Os resultados obtidos mostram um aumento do nível sérico de corticosterona dos animais do grupo SS sendo estatisticamente significante comparados aos animais do grupo NS (sem estresse) (p<.05). Nenhuma diferença estatística foi observada a nível histológico uma vez que todos os animais apresentaram infiltrado inflamatório moderado e área de lesão periapical similares. A análise por micro-CT também mostrou similaridade da área e volume da lesão periapical em todos grupos. Através da histoquímica para TRAP verificou-se uma quantidade significativamente menor de osteoclastos nos grupos que receberam bloqueadores adrenérgicos (Sß e Sα) (p<.05). Conclui-se que não houve influência significativa do estresse crônico no desenvolvimento e progressão da lesão periapical e a administração de bloqueadores adrenérgicos apesar de não ter sido capaz de modular a resposta inflamatória, diminuiu significativamente o número de osteoclastos na região periapical(AU)

The objectives of this study are: 1) To clarify the possible association between chronic stress (CS) and stimulation of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and to investigate its interference in the development and progression of periapical lesion; 2) To evaluate the amount of receptors for neurotransmitters in the periapical region; 3) To elucidate a pharmacological pathway of inflammatory modulation through the use of adrenergic blockers. Thirty- two Wistar rats were submitted to animal model of periapical lesion through exposure of the pulp cavity and were then randomly divided into 4 groups: no stress (NS); stress + saline solution (SS); stress + ß-blocker (Sß); stress + α-blocker (Sα). The SS, Sß and Sα groups were submitted to animal model of CS for 28 days and received daily injections of saline solution, propranolol (ß blocker adrenergic) and phentolamine (α adrenergic blocker), respectively. After 28 days the animals were euthanized and the following analysis were carried out: a) serum corticosterone levels through Radioimmunoassay; b) histomorphometric by staining with hematoxylin and eosin; c) periapical bone structure through micro computed tomography; d) expression of ß and α adrenergic receptors; e) osteoclast activity by histochemistry for tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The results obtained show an increase in the seric corticosterone level of the animals of the SS group being statistically significant compared to the NS group animals (without stress). No statistical difference was observed histologically since all animals had moderate inflammatory infiltrate and similar periapical lesion area. Micro-CT analysis also showed similarity of the area and volume of the periapical lesion in all groups. Through histochemistry for TRAP, a significantly lower amount of osteoclasts was observed in the groups receiving adrenergic blockers (Sß and Sα). It was concluded that there was no significant influence of chronic stress on the development and progression of the periapical lesion and the administration of adrenergic blockers despite not being able to modulate the inflammatory response, significantly decreased the number of osteoclasts in the periapical region(AU)