Method: Twenty 12-day-old ICR mice were treated with CY (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and 20 control mice with saline. At 16, 20, 24, and 27 days of age (PN16, PN20, PN24, PN27), the mandibular molars were removed, and the left sides of the molar were fixed, demineralized, dehydrated, and embedded in wax. Serial sagittal sections were prepared from the first molars and histomorphologically examined (hematoxylin and eosin and collagen staining). The alveolar bone area of the interradicular septa of the first molar was analyzed using ImageJ software.
Result: The alveolar bone area of the interradicular septa of the first molar in the experimental group showed less development than that of the control group from PN16 to PN27. Although no difference was observed in the root lengths of both groups, the mean interradicular septa area in the experimental group (0.12 mm2) was approximately 50% of that in the control group (0.26 mm2) at PN16 (p < 0.05, t-test), and the periodontal ligament fibers were also lined irregularly. Although root development decreased after CY injection and were shorter in the experimental group, apical root closure and cementum addition in the experimental group was earlier than that in the control group.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that CY inhibits root development and affects periodontal tissue modeling. Therefore, chemotherapy for pediatric cancer patients requires careful lifestyle instructions.