Experimental periodontitis promotes transient vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response and cardiovascular changes induced by experimental periodontitis in rats.

Design: Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing a cotton ligature around the cervix of both sides of mandibular first molars and maxillary second molars in each male rat. Sham-operated rats had the ligature removed immediately after the procedure.