Is there morphological difference between branchiomeric and somitic muscles submitted to alcohol consumption? An experimental study in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

• Published in: Journal of applied oral science Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 296 - 304
• Main Authors: Andreo, Jesus Carlos, Santos, Nícolas Bertolaccini Dos, Moraes, Luis Henrique Rapucci, Andreo, Matheus Bermejo, Andreo, Thiago Bermejo, Andreo, Camile Bermejo, Rodrigues, Antonio de Castro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Faculdade De Odontologia De Bauru - USP 01.09.2005
• Subjects: DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE; Músculo reto do abdome; Mastigação; Alcoholism; Masseter muscle; Temporalis muscle; Músculo masseter; Músculo temporal; Ratos; Rats; Alcoolismo; Rectus abdominal muscle; Masticatory muscle
• ISSN: 1678-7757; 1678-7765; 1678-7757
• DOI: 10.1590/S1678-77572005000300018

Alcoholism is considered a physical dependence disorder. More than 18 million people are alcoholics in the USA and England and between 1/3 to ½ of them present some kind of physical disorder. In general the literature is focused on alcoholic trunk muscle disorders. These muscles have different embryological origins if compared to the masticatory muscles. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of alcohol on the masticatory muscles in order to compare them with the somitic muscles. For this purpose, 15 male Wistar rats weighing around 250g were used. The rats were divided into three groups: Normal control (N), Alcoholic (A) and Isocaloric (I). Slices of the masseter muscle, temporalis muscle and rectus abdominal muscle were harvested and submitted to histochemical reactions (m-ATPase: acid and alkaline pre incubation and NADH-TR). The myofibers were classified in SO, FOG and FG. The results showed atrophy of the fast fibers (FG and FOG) in the masticatory muscles but this atrophy was not statistically significant in this study (p< 0.05). On the other hand, significant atrophy occurred in the rectus abdominal muscle (p<0.05). Based on these data it can concluded that the effect of alcohol on the branchiomeric jaw elevator muscles (masseter and temporalis muscles) is different compared to the effect on somitic muscle (rectus abdominal muscle).