Rat Tooth Development Following Local Angiopoietin 1 Application: A Histological Examination

Abstract Background: Odontogenesis refers to the process by which teeth originate, erupt, and fuse with the tissues around them. Vascularization that occurs due to angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) plays an important role in the development of teeth. Objectives: This histological study aimed to elucidate the effects of the local application of ANGPT1 on tooth development in the upper molar area in neonatal rats at different time points. Materials and Methods: This study enrolled 24 neonatal rats weighing 3.5–4 g maintained in a controlled environment with respect to temperature and access to food and water. The animals in the experimental group ( n = 12) were administered 10 µL of ANGPT1 in the upper right molar area, while saline was administered to those in the control group ( n = 12). The animals were sacrificed on days 3 and 7. The development of the tooth germ area was examined histologically under a light microscope. Results: Local application of ANGPT1 protein significantly accelerated the process of tooth development in each of the 12 samples in the experimental group. Early tooth tissue deposition was observed in the experimental group, as evidenced by the increase in the thickness of dentin and enamel, along with an increase in the number of odontoblasts, fibroblasts, and blood vessels, compared with the control group. Statistically significant differences were observed in all variables between the two periods ( P < 0.05), except for enamel thickness at 3 days ( P = 0.195). Conclusion: Local application of ANGPT1 accelerated tooth development compared with the control group.