Stress estimation by serum cortisol release during rapid maxillary expansion in mice: validation of an experimental model.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is an orthopedic procedure used to correct maxillary transverse deficiencies by applying forces through specialized appliances. This intervention induces both dental and skeletal changes, which may potentially elicit physiological stress responses. OBJECTIVE: To validate a model for estimating stress by measuring plasma cortisol levels in mice subjected to rapid RME. METHODS: 5-6-week-old male mice (C57BL6/J) were submitted to RME performed by an opening loop distractor at the mid palatal suture calibrated as follows (n = 5 per group): no force (control); 0.28 Newtons (N), 0.42N and 0.56N for periods of 7 and 14 days. Histomorphometry analyses were performed to analyze RME effect and serum samples were collected to measure cortisol by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The forces applied at two different time points resulted in a successful RME pattern with the opening of the mid-palatal suture compared to the control group (P<0.05). The 0.42N force at 7 days resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in cortisol (pg/ml) compared to the control and 0.28N at 7 days (d) groups; the cortisol level in the 0.42N 7d group was statistically reduced when compared to the 0.42N 14d group. There was no statistically significant difference between the other groups. CONCLUSION: The results suggest an increase in the stress response during the first days after the application of RME force with a force of 0.42N, with subsequent body adaptation. The force parameter of 0.42N at days proved to be a valid model for analyzing RME in mice.
Source: PubMed
Authors: Rodrigo Rodrigues, Jose Alejandro Guerrero, Anna Alice Anabuki, Jôice Dias Corrêa, Raquel Souto Silva, Vivien Thiemy Sakai, Tarcília Aparecida da Silva, Heloisa Sousa Gomes, Soraia Macari
Language: English
Subfield: Orthodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7122659867
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