INTRODUCTION: The statins have been strongly used for the prevention and treatment of high cholesterol, but are contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy because they may cause fetal malformation, affecting the central nervous system and the limbs. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of simvastatin in palate formation and development of tooth germs of the first upper and lower molars. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fourteen female and 4 male mice were used for breeding. The day "zero" of pregnancy was identified by vaginal plug after mating. The pregnant females were divided into four groups. Animals from Groups I and III received daily 10 mg /kg of saline three weeks before mating and from mating through day 14 of pregnancy, respectively. Animals from Groups II and IV received daily 10 mg/kg of simvastatin in the 3 weeks prior to mating and from mating through day 14 of pregnancy, respectively. RESULT: Histological evaluation of fetuses from Groups I to IV showed fused palate. The first molar tooth germs from Groups II and IV showed up with undefined forms and jagged edges suggesting a slower development compared to Groups I and III, although all the samples were at the bell or hood development stages. . CONCLUSION: This preliminary study showed that simvastatin does not affect palate fusion but can cause morphologic alterations in tooth germs of fetuses during gestation.
Odontogenesis; Simvastatin; cholesterol