Effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (Paroxetine) on Newly Formed Bone Volume: Real-Time In Vivo Micro-computed Tomographic Analysis.

Introduction: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to assess in real time the effect of paroxetine, an SSRI, on newly formed bone volume (NFBV) in standardized calvarial defects (SCDs) in rats.

Methods: Fourteen Wistar albino female rats with a mean age of 7.5 months and a mean weight of 275 g were used. The animals were randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group was given paroxetine 8 weeks before the surgical procedure and throughout the experiment, and the control group was given a placebo 8 weeks before the surgical procedure and throughout the experiment. In each group, 14 SCDs measuring 4.6 mm in diameter were created on the parietal bone. In both groups, a Bio-Oss + collagen membrane was placed. All defects showed primary closure. The volume of the newly formed bone (NFBV) was measured using in vivo micro-computed tomographic imaging. Measurements were taken at days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 56 after surgery using real-time assessment with micro-computed tomographic imaging.

Results: The mean NFBV was 17.12 ± 4.52 mm and 12.52 ± 4.78 mm for the control and experimental groups, respectively, at day 56. The differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant (P < .05) at all time intervals.

Conclusions: Paroxetine intake significantly reduced the amount of regenerated NFBV and the rate of new bone formation.