Abstracto

Current Status of Animal Experimentation in the Study of Periodontal Diseases and Therapeutics.

Ashwini Ashok Apine and Shiva Prasad BM

Animal models are required to objectively evaluate the physiology and pathogenesis of human periodontal diseases and its various treatment modalities. Selection of the appropriate animal model depends on the similarity of the periodontium and the nature of the disease to that of humans. The more commonly used animal models for studying the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, use of implants and guided tissue regeneration have been dogs and nonhuman primates. Rats and hamsters are best suited for caries and calculus research. Variables unique to each animal species are manifested by a wide range of clinical and histopathological features. Different species have distinct diets, habits, life spans, tissue structures, host defence mechanisms and genetic traits. This article describes the diversity seen in animal models used to study periodontal disease and its prevention and treatment.