Journal of Dental Research, Vol 66, 1490-1492, Copyright © 1987 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Impeded eruption rate of the rat maxillary incisor during exposure to different simulated altitudes
M. J. Giglio, A. M. Sanz, A. Costanzo and C. E. Bozzini
Female rats weighing about 200 g each were separated into normoxic and
hypoxic groups. The former were maintained at sea-level conditions. The
hypoxic groups were placed in an altitude chamber and maintained at the
equivalent of 1850 m, 4100 m, or 7100 m over a period of two weeks.
Hematocrit, body weight, body length, and impeded eruption rate were
recorded once a week. Food intake was recorded every day. Exposure to 1850
m did not significantly alter hematocrit, body weight and body length
gains, food intake, and impeded eruption rate. Nevertheless, exposure to
4100 m and 7100 m decreased body weight and body length gains, food intake,
and impeded eruption rate, and increased hematocrit value. These parameters
varied as a function of altitude. In spite of the lack of conclusive
evidence, this work affords further insight into the particular
significance of polycythemia on the eruption rate.
