IADR Abstract Archives
Adderall Does Not Promote Gingival Cell Proliferation
Objectives: Adderall® is a central nervous system stimulant that is often prescribed to treat patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. While Adderall® is prescribed to patients of all ages, it is very common in elementary aged children and college students. Adderall® is composed of 75% D-amphetamine and 25% L-amphetamine salt enantiomers. Previous studies suggest that patients taking amphetamines have an increased risk of gingival enlargement. While a possible relationship between amphetamines and the oral environment has been documented, there has been no documented studies of the direct effects of amphetamines on the oral cells. The purpose of this study was to determine if Adderall® increases gingival fibroblast cell proliferation.
Methods: Gingival and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR-106) were treated for 24 hours with various concentrations of Adderall. Cell survival was assessed fluorometrically using Calcein-AM. Cell proliferation was assessed fluorometrically after 9 days using Cyquant™.
Results: Concentrations of up to 200 μM of Adderall did not reduce cell survival of GF, PDL or UMR cells. Adderall® concentrations of 50-200 μM transiently increased GF cell proliferation at 5 days, while concentrations of 20 μM and above significantly reduced proliferation afterwards.
Conclusions: Based on these results, Adderall® inhibits stroma cell proliferation, rather than promoting it. This study supports the likelihood that Adderall® does not induce gingival hyperplasia through direct enhancement of proliferation. Thus, gingival hyperplasia may result from Adderall’s effects on other cells (including vascular endothelial cells) or through indirect effects on gingival fibroblasts.
Methods: Gingival and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts and rat osteosarcoma cells (UMR-106) were treated for 24 hours with various concentrations of Adderall. Cell survival was assessed fluorometrically using Calcein-AM. Cell proliferation was assessed fluorometrically after 9 days using Cyquant™.
Results: Concentrations of up to 200 μM of Adderall did not reduce cell survival of GF, PDL or UMR cells. Adderall® concentrations of 50-200 μM transiently increased GF cell proliferation at 5 days, while concentrations of 20 μM and above significantly reduced proliferation afterwards.
Conclusions: Based on these results, Adderall® inhibits stroma cell proliferation, rather than promoting it. This study supports the likelihood that Adderall® does not induce gingival hyperplasia through direct enhancement of proliferation. Thus, gingival hyperplasia may result from Adderall’s effects on other cells (including vascular endothelial cells) or through indirect effects on gingival fibroblasts.