The aim of the present work was to assess the effects of experimental diabetes on mandible growth in rats. Experimental diabetes was induced in rats, aged 26 d, by a single dose of 100 mg/kg b.w. of Streptozotocin (STZ). Thirty-one d post STZ or vehicle injection, the animals were killed. Mandibles were resected to determine Mandibular Skeletal Units dimensions (MSU) and overall mandible growth. Statistical analysis of results revealed, for STZ treated animals as compared to the control group: 1) a decrease in b.w.; 2) an increase in food intake; 3) an increase in glucemia (200%); 4) normal hemoglobin, creatinine and plasma urea values; 5) a reduction in growth of symphyseal (9%), coronoid (16%), and alveolar (13%) heights, condyloid (11%), angular (8%), and base (3%) lengths, and condyloid width (8%). Mandibular length (4%), height (8%) and length of base (6%) were significantly lower in diabetic animals as compared to the control group. No significant differences in length of symphyseal process, alveolar length and height of base were found between groups. Rats on a restricted diet, resulting in a decreased b.w., and the control group exhibited similar mandibular dimensions. These data show that STZ-induced diabetes reduces mandibular growth, resulting in some deformity of the structure.

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