Presence of mast cells and the expression of metalloproteinase 9 in the gingiva of ovariectomized rats with periodontal disease

It was concluded that periodontitis led to mast cells reduction and MMP-9 increase. The ovariectomy itself did not alter the MMP-9 expression and did not influence the presence of mast cells in rat papilla, however, when associated to inflammation led to a reduction of mast cells.