Osteoclast differentiation and recruitment during early stages of experimental tooth movement in rats

Osteoclasts are derived from macrophage-lineage precursors. ED1 is an antibody that can recognize this lineage of cells. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is essential for the migration of osteoclasts and their precursors during osteoclastogenesis. The aim of this research was to investigate differentiation and recruitment of osteoclasts during the early phase of experimental tooth movement in rats. The upper three molars of Wistar rats at one side were moved mesially, using Ni-Ti coil springs of 10 cN, for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The contralateral sides served as controls. Immunohistochemical staining using ED1 and MMP9 antibodies was performed. ED1(+) and MMP9(+) mononuclear and multinuclear cells were counted and statistically analysed. After force application, the number of ED1(+)/MMP9(+) multinuclear cells first increased in the bone marrow. At compressed areas, the number of ED1(+) mononuclear cells decreased; this was followed by an increase in the number of ED1(+/)MMP9(+) mononuclear and multinuclear cells. At tension areas, the number of ED1(+)/MMP9(+) multinuclear cells decreased while the number of ED1(+) mononuclear cells remained stable. It was concluded that force application induces osteoclast differentiation within the bone marrow. These osteoclasts probably migrate subsequently into the compressed PDL. Pre-existing osteoclasts disappear at the tension areas while the number of mononuclear macrophage-lineage cells remains stable.