Abstract
Aims: To investigate the histometric effect of atenolol drug on the developing dentition of rats. Mate-rials and Methods: The pregnant rats were divided into two main groups; control and atenolol treated groups. The control pregnant rats were given 1 ml distilled water orally from 12 – 18 day of gestation period, after delivery of these rats, thirty newborn rats from six mothers were sacrificed at ages 1, 5, 10 days postnataly (p.n). The experimental group were given 10 mg atenolol powder suspended in 1 ml distilled water orally, daily as a single dose from 12 – 18 day of gestation, thirty newborn rats from each six mothers were sacrificed at ages 1, 5, 10 days postnataly. The specimens were prepared for processing and staining with Hematoxyline and Eosin stains, and then examined by Motic microscope. Histometric measurements were under taken for these specimens by graticule lense. The histometric parameters used are the dentin thickness, mesiodistal dimension of molar teeth, pulp density (cellulari-ty) and eruption rate. Results: The results showed that atenolol affect on the developing rat dentition .This manifested by less dentin thickness, decreased mesiodistal dimension, increase in pulp cellularity and delay in eruption rate of lower incisor tooth in the atenolol treated groups in comparison to the con-trol groups. These observed changes are proceeded or continued as development process until last ex-premintal age 10 p.n. Conclusions: Atenolol drug delay the tooth development and affect it.
