The effects of restraint stress and orthodontic tooth movements on the intestinal epithelial structure and metabolic function in rats.

Chronic stress and orthodontic treatment have been revealed to trigger systemic stress responses in rats. This study aimed to investigate the effects of restraint stress and orthodontic treatment on the intestinal epithelial structure, barrier function, flora, and metabolism in rats. Twenty 8-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-stressed non-orthodontic (CC), sham-stressed orthodontic (CO), stressed non-orthodontic (SC), and stressed orthodontic (SO).