Periapical lesions in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The purpose of this study was to investigate histologically and histometrically the changes in pulpal periapical tissues after pulpal exposure in streptozotocin-induce diabetic rats. Control rats were injected with citrate buffer. Experimental rats were injected with streptozotocin dissolved in citrate buffer. All animals received a pulpal exposure in the left mandibular first molar. Blood glucose concentration was measured at, 0, 7, 14, 28, and 42 days. All animals were killed at 7, 14, 28, and 42 days after pulpal exposure, and their mandibles were evaluated histologically and histometrically. Blood glucose levels in the experimental rats were significantly higher than those in the control rats. In experimental rats, inflammation in the apical periodontal ligament and root resorption and alveolar bone resorption were more severe than that in control rats. This study also revealed histometrically that, in experimental rats, lesions in the periapical area were significantly larger than those in control rats.