Background: Glucocorticoids is a potent anti-inflammatory which is used to treat autoimmune disorders. Also, its used as an immunosuppressive agent. It also has an important role in calcium homeostasis. Hypocalcemia is a common metabolic disorder that may develop due to certain pharmacological agents used in the treatment of other diseases. Drug-induced hypocalcemia may vary in severity from asymptomatic to morbidity.
Materials and methods: Twenty albino adult male rats whose weight ranges from 200-250 grams (about 6 months of age) were included in this study. They were divided randomly into 2 groups: Group I (control group), Group II (glucocorticoid group). Rats in group (II) were injected by methylprednisolone (40 mg/kg) intramuscular 3 times per week for three weeks. The animals were euthanized by the end of the experimental periods, after 3 weeks. The right molar segments were dissected out and prepared for light microscopic examination while the left molar sections were processed for energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDX) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Results: The results of control group showed normal histological features of the alveolar bone. Regarding the glucocorticoid group, there was disturbance in the bone architecture. The bone surface showed an irregular outline with multiple resorptive craters and porosity. Deeply stained incremental lines were also evident. The results of EDX showed decrease in calcium and phosphorous percentage in group B than in group A.
Conclusion: Glucocorticoid administration is a serious condition which leads to sever bone loss and alteration in structure of alveolar bone.