CHANGES IN AUTONOMIC RESPONSES AND JAW MUSCLE ACTIVITY INDUCED BY TOOTH PULP STIMULATION IN THE RAT

쥐의 치수자극에 의해 유발되는 자율신경 반응과 악안면 근육활동의 변화

The effects of application of mustard oil (MO), a small-fiber excitant and inflammatory irritant into the rat maxillary molar tooth pulp on arterial blood pressure and heat race, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the jaw muscles were assessed in the anesthetized rats. In addition, Evans blue extravasation following pulpal MO application was measured. Application of MO into the tooth pulp produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure and heat rate which gradually returned to baseline level. Application of MO into the tooth pulp induced a significant and short-lasting increase in EMG activity of digastric masseter and tongue muscle. Application of MO into the tooth pulp significantly increased the plasma extravasation of Evans blue dye. However, Application of mineral oil into the tooth pulp did not produce any significant changes in EMG activity of the digastric, masseter and tongue muscles, mean arterial pressure and heart rate, and plasma extravasation of Evans blue dye. These findings indicate that changes in arterial blood pressure, heart rate, jaw muscle activity and plasma extravasation accompanying noxious tooth pulp stimulation call be utilized as indirect measure of orofacial pain and inflammation.