A 2-plane micro-computed tomographic alveolar bone measurement approach in mice

Abstract

Purpose This study introduces a standardized 2-plane approach using 8 landmarks to assess alveolar bone levels in mice using micro-computed tomography. Materials and Methods Bone level differences were described as distance from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to alveolar bone crest (ABC) and as percentages of vertical bone height and vertical bone loss, comparing mice infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) to controls. Eight measurements were obtained per tooth: 2 in the sagittal plane (mesial and distal) and 6 in the coronal plane (mesiobuccal, middle-buccal, distobuccal, mesiolingual, middle-lingual, and distolingual). Results Significant differences in the CEJ-to-ABC distance between Pg-infected mice and controls were found in the coronal plane (middle-lingual, mesiobuccal, and distolingual for the first molar; and mesiobuccal, middle-buccal, and distolingual for the second molar). In the sagittal plane, the distal measurement of the second molar was different. The middle-buccal, mesiobuccal, and distolingual sites of the first and second molars showed vertical bone loss relative to controls; the second molar middle-lingual site was also different. In the sagittal plane, the mesial sites of the first and second molars and the distal site of the second molar showed loss. Significantly different vertical bone height percentages were found for the mesial and distal sites of the second molar (sagittal plane) and the middle-lingual and distolingual sites of the first molar(coronal plane). Conclusion A reliable, standardized technique for linear periodontal assessments in mice is described. Alveolar bone loss occurred mostly on the lingual surface of the coronal plane, which is often omitted in studies.

Mucosal Vaccination Against Periodontal Disease: Current Status and Opportunities

“…Second, PD does not occur spontaneously in rodents, requiring experimental PD induction with allochthonous PD bacteria such as P. gingivalis ( 117 ). Third, clinical parameters such as bone loss are difficult to measure and interpret in small animals like mice, which is further complicated by the lack of standardization ( 118 ). Finally, the lymphoid tissue of the head is different between rodents and humans.…”

FasL is a catabolic factor in alveolar bone homeostasis

“…Harnessing the potential of micro-computed tomography (μCT), 3D evaluation of the bone changes can be measured (Wilensky et al, 2005;Y. H. Wu et al, 2020;Catunda et al, 2021). Histological analysis can help describe and quantify alveolar bone osteolysis (Semenoff et al, 2008;de Molon et al, 2018).…”

“…Bone loss is the hallmark of periodontal disease progression, increasing the distance between the cementum enamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone crest (ABC) (Hienz et al, 2015 ). Harnessing the potential of micro‐computed tomography (μCT), 3D evaluation of the bone changes can be measured (Wilensky et al, 2005 ; Y. H. Wu et al, 2020 ; Catunda et al, 2021 ). Histological analysis can help describe and quantify alveolar bone osteolysis (Semenoff et al, 2008 ; de Molon et al, 2018 ).…”