Histological evaluation of the phenobarbital (GardenalTM) influence on orthodontic movement: a study in rabbits

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate the influence of phenobarbital on orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: Twenty-two New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were divided into three groups: normal or non-tested (N), control (C), and experimental (E). In Group N (n = 2) no procedure was carried out, except to verify the condition of normality before treatment. In Groups C (n = 10) and E (n = 10) an orthodontic appliance was inserted between the first molars and lower incisors in order to promote a mesial molar movement. In Group E phenobarbital was administered during the course of the experiment, which differentiates it from the group C. The animals were sacrificed on days 7 and 14 so that anatomical sections could be prepared for further histological analysis. Results: Histologically no difference was observed between normal and experimental groups. Conclusions: Phenobarbital does not interfere with the orthodontic tooth movement. Abstract