Alendronate binds to tooth root surfaces and inhibits progression of feline tooth resorption: a pilot proof-of-concept study.

Abstract

Tissue distribution, bioavailability, and efficacy of alendronate in preventing progression of resorption of teeth were evaluated in cats. [Butyl-4-14C-]-alendronate accumulates on subgingival tooth and alveolar bone surfaces adjacent to vascularized tissue resulting in concentration of the drug around tooth roots. Three cats were treated with a 0.03 mg/kg i.v. bolus of [butyl-4-14C-]-alendronate followed by blood, urine, and feces collection and euthanasia 24-hours later. Drug tissue distribution was accessed by autoradiography and sample combustion. To assess bioavailability, 12 cats were administered alendronate orally (3.0 or 9.0 mg/kg in water or 9.0 mg/kg in tuna water) and urine was collected for 24-hours. In these formulations, alendronate oral bioavailability in cats was approximately 3%. In addition, 10 cats with radiographic evidence of pre-existing tooth resorption (14 affected teeth) were treated with vehicle or 3.0 mg/kg alendronate per os once weekly for 22-weeks and, then, 9.0 mg/kg per os twice weekly for 27-weeks in a random, masked study. Radiographic area of resorption was measured and progression scored every 3 to 4-months. In placebo-treated cats, resorption progressed in five of six teeth (+ 97% average increase in area of resorption), whereas progression of resorption was seen in only three of eight affected teeth in alendronate-treated cats with a -22% average change (decrease) in area (P < 0.01 difference in number of teeth showing progression; P < 0.001 difference in area of resorption). Alendronate accumulated preferentially on subgingival tooth surfaces and adjacent alveolar bone and, at a dose of 9 mg/kg twice weekly, effectively slowed or arrested the progression of resorption.

• Authors: Kenneth L Mohn, Thomas M Jacks, Klaus Dieter Schleim, Colin E Harvey, Bonnie Miller, Bruce Halley, William P Feeney, Susan L Hill, Gerry Hickey
• Journal: Journal of veterinary dentistry (J Vet Dent) Vol. 26 Issue 2 Pg. 74-81 ( 2009) ISSN: 0898-7564 [Print] United States
• PMID: 19718970 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Bone Density Conservation Agents
• Alendronate

Topics

• Alendronate (pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Biological Availability
• Bone Density Conservation Agents (pharmacokinetics, therapeutic use)
• Cat Diseases (prevention & control)
• Cats
• Female
• Injections, Intravenous (veterinary)
• Pilot Projects
• Tissue Distribution
• Tooth Resorption (prevention & control, veterinary)
• Treatment Outcome