The use of carrageenan for limiting the mandibular movement in rats: A preliminary experimental study

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate if the carrageenan may be used for limiting the mandibular movement. Material and Methods: Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were used for the research, 20 ìl of carrageenan (4%) was infiltrated in the extra articular region, in front of the condyle to induce fibrosis. The rats were divided into groups according to the time of euthanasia (7, 15 and 30 days). Maximal mouth opening (MMO), mandibular deviation,initial and final weights were recorded and evaluated. After the euthanasia, the specimens were submitted to histological study in order to classify the inflammatory process using scores. Results: The mean differences between initial and final MMO were 1.50 mm, being greatest at the 7 days evaluation and lowest at 30 days, and were not statistically significant at any time. No mandibular deviation was observedat any of the times of evaluation. The histological scores tended to increase with time of evaluation from 7to 30 days, but without progression of the process.Conclusion: The study model permitted the development of fibrosis in the extra-articular region in the majority of the animals (AU)