Effect of methylphenidate at different doses on new bone formation with rapid maxillary expansion: A micro‐CT and histomorphometric study in rats

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effect of systemically administered methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) on new bone formation in premaxillary suture after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). Setting and Sample Population Thirty‐three Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1 (high dose, 30/60 mg/kg MPH), Group 2 (low dose, 4/10 mg/kg MPH), Group 3 (positive control) and Group 4 (negative control). Methods RME was applied on the 70th day of the study. A 5‐day RME period was followed by a 12‐day retention period. The experiment was terminated on the 87th day. Micro‐CT for radiological evaluation, haematoxylin‐eosin and Masson's trichrome staining methods were used for histomorphometric evaluation. Results Among experimental groups with RME, the lowest number of osteoblasts and capillaries in Group 1 (P