THE EFFECT OF PREGABALIN VERSUS CARBAMAZEPINE ON THE GINGIVA OF ALBINO RATS WITH THE POSSIBLE MODULATORY ACTION OF ACASIA ARABICA.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of anticonvulsant Pregabalin versus Carbamazepine, with and without Acacia Arabica on the rats\' gingiva. Materials and methods: 35 adult male albino rats were divided into: control group contained seven rats received distilled water for three weeks, experimental group I contained seven rats received Carbamazepine (20 mg/kg), subgroup I contained seven rats which received Carbamazepine (20 mg/kg) and Acasia Arabica (100 mg/kg), group II contained seven rats received Pregabaline (20 mg/kg) and subgroup II contained seven rats received Pregabaline (20 mg/kg) and Acasia Arabica (100 mg/kg). After three weeks, all rats were terminated and the mandibular molar regions were excised, fixed then decalcified and stained with H & E. The epithelium thickness was measured using morphometric analysis and the gingival specimens were examined for the expression of Ki-67 antigen. Results: The side effects on the gingiva either histologically or immuno histochemically were severe with Carbamazepine and mild with Pregabalin. Results also showed a great modulating effect of Acacia Arabica on the enlarged gingiva. Conclusion: Pregabalin treatment has milder deletarious effects on the gingiva when compared with Carbamazepine.