[Expression of cathepsin K and IL-6 mRNA in root-resorbing tissue during tooth movement in rats].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and the localization of Cathepsin K and IL-6 mRNA in root-resorbing tissue and to elucidate the molecular changes and mechanism of root resorption induced by tooth movement.

METHODS

Rats were subject to experimental tooth movement to induce root resorption. In situ hybridization was performed to identify the cells in root-resorbing tissue that produced Cathepsin K or IL-6 the difference of CK mRNA or IL-6 mRNA expression between root resorption group and control group was calculated by t-test.

RESULTS

Cathepsin K mRNA was highly and selectively expressed in multinuclear odontoclast and IL-6 mRNA expressed in fibroblast, osteoblast, osteocyte and cementoblast. The expression of Cathepsin K mRNA and IL-6 mRNA in root-resorbing tissue increased evidently compared with the normal periodontium.

CONCLUSIONS

Odontoclast in the root-resorbing tissue expresses Cathepsin K mRNA that participates in proteolysis during root resorption. IL-6 plays a very important role in the root resorption as a multifunctional cytokine.