Effect of TNF-α-Induced Sclerostin on Osteocytes during Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Figure 4

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) affects sclerostin expression in osteocytes during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). (a) Intraoral photograph of the OTM appliance. (b) Schematic diagram of orthodontic tooth movement of the upper-left first molar to the mesial side. The black arrow indicates the direction of orthodontic force. (c, d) Images: the percentage of sclerostin-positive osteocytes was examined in the range of from the mesial periodontal ligament on the compression side around 150 μm from the distobuccal root branch of the upper-left first molar after 2-day (c) or 6-day OTM (d). Arrowheads indicate the sclerostin-positive cells. Black arrows indicate the direction of orthodontic force. M, mesial side; D, distal side; a, alveolar bone; p, periodontal ligament; r, root. . Graphs: corresponding percentages of sclerostin-positive osteocytes during OTM (; ).

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