Department of Studies of Institutions and Territorial Systems, Faculty of Movement Science, University of Naples "Parthenope," via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy.
Neuroscience. 2010 Mar 17;166(2):416-21. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.12.071. Epub 2010 Jan 4.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the production of superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) in the trigeminal complex nuclei after a functional mechanical overload of the teeth due to the preference for masticating on one side in rats. The preference for masticating on one side was induced by the discomfort due to a small abrasion of one molar; such lateralisation in mastication was confirmed by electromyography. The production of O(2)(-) was evaluated in the trigeminal nuclei by fluorescence microscopy after an injection of dihydroethidium. The results showed that there was an increased production of O(2)(-) in the subnucleus oralis of the spinal trigeminal nucleus in the same side where the mastication was preferred. This result demonstrates that an increased activity of non-painful sensory neurons can enhance the production of reactive oxygen species within the central second order sensory nuclei.
本研究旨在评估由于大鼠单侧咀嚼偏好导致牙齿功能性机械过载后三叉神经复合体核中超氧阴离子 (O(2)(-)) 的产生。由于一颗磨牙的轻微磨损引起的不适，诱导了单侧咀嚼偏好；通过肌电图确认了这种咀嚼的偏侧化。通过注射二氢乙啶后，荧光显微镜评估了三叉神经核中 O(2)(-) 的产生。结果表明，在同侧咀嚼偏好的脊髓三叉神经核的口腔亚核中，O(2)(-) 的产生增加。这一结果表明，非痛觉感觉神经元的活性增加可以增强中枢二级感觉核中活性氧物质的产生。
