Changes in Vascular Resistance Following Induction of Chronic Unilateral Periodontitis in Dogs

¹ Department of Physiology, Baylor University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas

Unilateral periodontitis was induced in dogs by surgically removing approximately 2 mm. of bone from the alveolar crest of one mandibular ramus. Vascular changes in the involved quadrant were studied 10-42 days postinduction by perfusing blood into each mandibular artery and recording the perfusion pressure. Animals perfused 20-42 days after induction had a markedly reduced resistance to perfusion and lowered anastomotic back-pressure on the diseased ramus, while the unoperated quadrant was essentially unchanged from the control values. Increased arteriovenous shunting either by formation of new pathways or by development of pre-existing arteriovenous connections is offered as an explanation of the data.