Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits

Abstract Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection could relieve many disorders in the maxillofacial regions. Although it could have some side effects on bones and muscles. This study investigated the effects of a single Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injection on masticatory function and musculoskeletal str...

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Main Authors: Maha Mohamed Shehata Montaser, Nahed H. Elsokkary, Ahmed Elsayed Abdelghany Ibrahim Shararah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97919-y
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author Maha Mohamed Shehata Montaser
Nahed H. Elsokkary
Ahmed Elsayed Abdelghany Ibrahim Shararah
author_facet Maha Mohamed Shehata Montaser
Nahed H. Elsokkary
Ahmed Elsayed Abdelghany Ibrahim Shararah
author_sort Maha Mohamed Shehata Montaser
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection could relieve many disorders in the maxillofacial regions. Although it could have some side effects on bones and muscles. This study investigated the effects of a single Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injection on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits. Twenty rabbits were divided into two groups: one received BoNT-A (10 units), and the other received saline. The study periodically monitored electromyography (EMG), compound action potential (CAP), food intake, and body weight, along with histological and immunohistochemical analyses after four weeks. Revealed significant reductions in body weight, EMG, and CAP in the BoNT-A group during the first two weeks, but no notable differences in the following two weeks. Histological examination showed thinning of the alveolar bone trabecula, while ultrastructural changes in the masseter muscle included swollen mitochondria, disorganized Z bands, and heterochromatic nuclei. Light microscopy revealed increased fibrous tissue, muscle fiber breakdown, and vacuolations. Desmin expression was significantly reduced in the BoNT-A group. The findings indicate that a single BoNT-A injection temporarily reduces masticatory function and causes degenerative changes in muscle tissue and bone structure, including alveolar bone resorption, lasting at least four weeks.
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spelling doaj-art-5bc1f826c5994563aaec8feae307971f2025-08-20T01:47:33ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111510.1038/s41598-025-97919-yEffect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbitsMaha Mohamed Shehata Montaser0Nahed H. Elsokkary1Ahmed Elsayed Abdelghany Ibrahim Shararah2Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport- College of Dentistry- Alamein CampusAlexandria UniversityArab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport- College of Dentistry- Alamein CampusAbstract Botulinum toxin (BTX) injection could relieve many disorders in the maxillofacial regions. Although it could have some side effects on bones and muscles. This study investigated the effects of a single Botulinum Toxin Type A (BoNT-A) injection on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits. Twenty rabbits were divided into two groups: one received BoNT-A (10 units), and the other received saline. The study periodically monitored electromyography (EMG), compound action potential (CAP), food intake, and body weight, along with histological and immunohistochemical analyses after four weeks. Revealed significant reductions in body weight, EMG, and CAP in the BoNT-A group during the first two weeks, but no notable differences in the following two weeks. Histological examination showed thinning of the alveolar bone trabecula, while ultrastructural changes in the masseter muscle included swollen mitochondria, disorganized Z bands, and heterochromatic nuclei. Light microscopy revealed increased fibrous tissue, muscle fiber breakdown, and vacuolations. Desmin expression was significantly reduced in the BoNT-A group. The findings indicate that a single BoNT-A injection temporarily reduces masticatory function and causes degenerative changes in muscle tissue and bone structure, including alveolar bone resorption, lasting at least four weeks.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97919-yBotulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A)Masseter musclesElectromyography (EMG)Compound action potential (CAP)Muscle atrophyDesmin
spellingShingle Maha Mohamed Shehata Montaser
Nahed H. Elsokkary
Ahmed Elsayed Abdelghany Ibrahim Shararah
Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
Scientific Reports
Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A)
Masseter muscles
Electromyography (EMG)
Compound action potential (CAP)
Muscle atrophy
Desmin
title Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
title_full Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
title_fullStr Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
title_full_unstemmed Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
title_short Effect of botulinum toxin type A on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
title_sort effect of botulinum toxin type a on masticatory function and musculoskeletal structure in rabbits
topic Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A)
Masseter muscles
Electromyography (EMG)
Compound action potential (CAP)
Muscle atrophy
Desmin
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97919-y
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