Investigation of calcification in dental pulp after development of chronic renal failure in rats by micro-computed tomography and histopathological methods

Aim: This study aims to evaluate whether chronic renal failure has an effect on calcification in tooth and bone tissues and to what extent this effect occurs depending on the process, using microcomputed tomography and histological analysis. Material and Method: In our study, 3-month-old adult male Wistar albino rats were used. For the project, 6 groups were formed, 3 healthy control groups and 3 chronic renal failure groups according to the time elapsed after the development of renal failure. In order to create renal failure in animals, 80 mg/kg adenine was dissolved in 1% carboxy methyl cellulose used as a vehicle solvent and administered per os via orogastric gavage once a day for 28 days. During this process, 1% carboxy methyl cellulose used as a vehicle solvent was given to control groups. Animals were sacrificed with the help of 1.2 g/kg intraperitoneal ethyl carbamate derivative urethane anesthesia on the 1st, 20th and 40th days after renal failure, depending on their group. Bone blocks were prepared from the lower jaws of the animals to include the molar teeth. The blocks obtained were examined in terms of dentin and bone density with the help of microcomputed tomography. Then, the bone blocks were subjected to chemical decalcification for histological examination. The dental pulp areas were measured in histological sections prepared from decalcified tissues using a microscope and image analysis system. In addition, the histological structure and histochemical changes in the pulp areas were evaluated. Results: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of bone and dentin density. In histological examinations, pulp diameter was found to be lower in the experimental groups compared to the control groups compared to the tooth diameter. In osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, dentin matrix protein and type 1 collagen measurements, higher values were obtained in all experimental groups compared to the control groups.