Journal of Dental Research, Vol 70, 906-909, Copyright © 1991 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effects of topical and systemic nicotine on gingival blood flow in dogs
G. K. Johnson, G. L. Todd, W. T. Johnson, Y. K. Fung and L. M. Dubois
University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, Lincoln 68583-0740.
It has been suggested that due to its vasoconstrictive action, nicotine may
have a deleterious effect on the periodontium. This study examined the
effects of topical and systemic nicotine administration on gingival blood
flow. Eighteen young adult dogs were divided into three groups receiving
the following treatments for 28 days; topical nicotine in orabase, systemic
nicotine via osmotic mini-pumps, and topical orabase or systemic saline via
osmotic mini-pumps. Blood flow to the gingiva was measured (at days 0 and
28) by the radiolabeled microsphere method. Blood flow was consistently
increased from day 0 to day 28 in the nicotine-treated animals. Comparison
of days 0 and 28 blood-flow values demonstrated a statistically significant
change (p less than 0.05) in the anterior regions of the topical-nicotine
group as compared with the control group. The increased flow may be a
reflection of the mode of nicotine delivery and timing of the blood-flow
determination procedures.
