Denervation and beta(2)-adrenoceptor-agonist administration on craniofacial bone density

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Beta2-agonist medications are thought to have adverse effects on bone density. Surgical denervation and intramuscular beta2-agonist injections appear to have opposing effects on skeletal muscles. The present study has been designed to assess the effects of denervation of the masseter, intramuscular injection of a beta2-agonist and the combination of both procedures, on bone density in the craniofacial skeleton in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared as four groups: 1. surgical sham + saline injection into the masseter (sham); 2. surgical denervation of the masseter (den.); 3. surgical denervation of the masseter + intramuscular formoterol injection into t..