Pathomorphological manifestations in the periodontium under experimental opioid exposure for six weeks and after its four-week withdrawal

Abstract

Summary. Uncontrolled use of opioids leads to intoxication of the body, increased tolerance to the effects of the drug and the formation of withdrawal syndrome, which causes the development of profound changes in the body and has a direct impact on organs and tissues of the oral cavity.

The aim of the study – to determine the features of the microstructural organization of periodontal components at the end of the tenth week of the experiment under conditions of six weeks of opioid action and after its four-week withdrawal.

Materials and Methods. Studies were performed on outbred white male rats, which were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 – control. Group 2, the opioid analgesic nalbuphine was injected for 6 weeks, followed by a four-week withdrawal. Sampling was performed at the end of week 10 of the experiment. After the complex decalcification of the hard tissues of the dental organ, histological preparations were prepared according to the generally accepted method.

Results. At the end of week 10 of the experiment, no clear dynamics of restoration of microstructural organization of periodontal tissues was observed. In large areas, the epithelium became thinner, focal erosions were detected. Signs of hyperkeratosis were noted in the epithelium of the gingival sulcus. The epithelial attachment was fragmentarily damaged, with impaired fixation to the enamel-cement border of the tooth. The own plate of the mucous membrane of the gums and periodontium was dominated by the phenomena of the edematous process, with stratification and disorganization of collagen fibers. In the papillary and reticular layers of the own plate revealed purulent bodies, the formation of fibrinoid edema. Vascular disorders were observed in the own plate and periodontium, which indicated a violation of microcirculation in periodontal tissues.

Conclusions. When opioid was used for six weeks, followed by its four-week withdrawal, microstructural changes in the periodontium were found, which indicated the lack of compensatory-adaptive mechanisms, which created the preconditions for the progression of the inflammatory-dystrophic process.