Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Expression in Alveolar Extraction Sockets of Zoledronic Acid-Treated Rats

ZA reduced bone mineralization within tooth extraction sockets, suggesting aberrant bone healing. ZA increases the amount and enzymatic activity of MMP-9, while apparently not altering the amount of TIMP1 within extraction sockets. RANKL is increased in ZA-treated rats, which suggests that increased MMP-9 expression is due, in part, to augmented RANKL expression.