Effects of treatment with fluoxetine on mandibular development: A morphological study in rats

AimTo verify whether the use of fluoxetine during gestation and lactation interferes in mandibular bone formation in rats.MethodsTwenty-four Wistar rat pups were used and distributed into four groups: CG – control of gestation; CL – control of gestation and lactation; FG – treated with fluoxetine during gestation and FL – treated with fluoxetine during gestation and lactation. At 25 days of life, after anesthesia, perfusion and decapitation, the mandibles were removed. Radiographic, histologic, histometric and polarizing microscopy analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was used considering a level of 5% significance.ResultThe FL group compared with its control (CL) was shown to differ statistically from the other groups as regards histometry and radiopacity, revealing a reduction in the inferior cortical thickness, reduction in number of osteocytes, with consequent reduction in radiographic bone density. There was also reduction in the number of osteoblasts in FG.ConclusionThe long-term use of fluoxetine via oral route by pregnant and lactating rats modifies the mandibular bone mass.