Cardiac mast cell proteases do not contribute to the regulation of the rat coronary vascular responsiveness to arterial delivered angiotensin I and II

Cardiac mast cells (MC) are apposed to capillaries within the heart and release renin and proteases capable of metabolizing angiotensins (Ang). Therefore, we hypothesized that mast cell degranulation could alter the rat coronary vascular responsiveness to the arterial delivered Ang I and Ang II, taking into account carboxypeptidase and chymase-1 activities. Hearts from animals that were either pretreated or not with systemic injection of the secretagogue compound 48/80 were isolated and mounted on a Langendorff apparatus to investigate coronary reactivity. The proteolytic activity of the cardiac perfusate from isolated hearts, pretreated or not with the secretagogue, toward Ang I and tetradecapeptide renin substrate was analyzed by HPLC. Coronary vascular reactivity to peptides was not affected by compound 48/80 pretreatment, despite the extensive amount of cardiac MC degranulation. Cardiac MC activation did not modify the generation of both Ang II and Ang 5-10 from Ang I by cardiac perfusate, activities that could be ascribed to MC carboxypeptidase and chymase-1, respectively. An aliskiren-resistant Ang I-forming activity was increased in perfusates from secretagogue-treated hearts. Thus, cardiac MC proteases capable of metabolizing angiotensins do not affect rat coronary reactivity to arterial delivered Ang I and II. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Plasma Kallikrein and Angiotensin I-converting enzyme N- and C-terminal domain activities are modulated by the insertion/deletion polymorphism

Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is recognized as one of the main effector molecules involved in blood pressure regulation. In the last few years some polymorphisms of ACE such as the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism have been described, but their physiologic relevance is poorly understood. In addition, few studies investigated if the specific activity of ACE domain is related to the I/D polymorphism and if it can affect other systems. The aim of this study was to establish a biochemical and functional characterization of the I/D polymorphism and correlate this with the corresponding ACE activity. For this purpose, 119 male brazilian army recruits were genotyped and their ACE plasma activities evaluated from the C- and N-terminal catalytic domains using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) peptides, specific for the C-domain (Abz-LFK(Dnp)OH), N-domain (Abz-SDK(Dnp)P-OH) and both C- and N-domains (Abz-FRK(Dnp)P-OH). Plasma kallikrein activity was measured using Z-Phe-Arg-AMC as substrate and inhibited by selective plasma kallikrein inhibitor (PKSI). Some physiological parameters previously described related to the I/D polymorphism such as handgrip strength, blood pressure, heart rate and BMI were also evaluated. The genotype distribution was II n = 27, ID n = 64 and DD n = 28. Total plasma ACE activity of both domains in II individuals was significantly lower in comparison to ID and DD. This pattern was also observed for C- and N-domain activities. Difference between ID and DD subjects was observed only with the N-domain specific substrate. Blood pressure, heart rate, handgrip strength and BMI were similar among the genotypes. This polymorphism also affected the plasma kallikrein activity and DD group presents high activity level. Thus, our data demonstrate that the I/D ACE polymorphism affects differently both ACE domains without effects on handgrip strength. Moreover, this polymorphism influences the kallikrein-kinin system of normotensive individuals. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The role of local and systemic renin angiotensin system activation in a genetic model of sympathetic hyperactivity-induced heart failure in mice

Sympathetic hyperactivity (SH) and renin angiotensin system (RAS) activation are commonly associated with heart failure (HF), even though the relative contribution of these factors to the cardiac derangement is less understood. The role of SH on RAS components and its consequences for the HF were investigated in mice lacking alpha(2A) and alpha(2C) adrenoceptor knockout (alpha(2A)/alpha(2C) ARKO) that present SH with evidence of HF by 7 mo of age. Cardiac and systemic RAS components and plasma norepinephrine (PN) levels were evaluated in male adult mice at 3 and 7 mo of age. In addition, cardiac morphometric analysis, collagen content, exercise tolerance, and hemodynamic assessments were made. At 3 mo, alpha(2A)/alpha(2C)ARKO mice showed no signs of HF, while displaying elevated PN, activation of local and systemic RAS components, and increased cardiomyocyte width (16%) compared with wild-type mice (WT). In contrast, at 7 mo, alpha(2A)/alpha(2C)ARKO mice presented clear signs of HF accompanied only by cardiac activation of angiotensinogen and ANG II levels and increased collagen content (twofold). Consistent with this local activation of RAS, 8 wk of ANG II AT(1) receptor blocker treatment restored cardiac structure and function comparable to the WT. Collectively, these data provide direct evidence that cardiac RAS activation plays a major role underlying the structural and functional abnormalities associated with a genetic SH-induced HF in mice.

Influence of angiotensinogen and angiotensin-converting enzyme polymorphisms on cardiac hypertrophy and improvement on maximal aerobic capacity caused by exercise training

Background The allele threonine (T) of the angiotensinogen has been associated with ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients and soccer players. However, the long-term effect of physical exercise in healthy athletes carrying the T allele remains unknown. We investigated the influence of methionine M or T allele of the angiotensinogen and D or I allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme on left-ventricular mass index (LVMI) and maximal aerobic capacity in young healthy individuals after long-term physical exercise training. Design Prospective clinical trial. Methods Eighty-three policemen aged between 20 and 35 years (mean +/- SD 26 +/- 4.5 years) were genotyped for the M235T gene angiotensinogen polymorphism (TT, n=25; MM/MT, n=58) and angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism (11, n=18; DD/DI, n=65). Left-ventricular morphology was evaluated by echocardiography and maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2peak)) by cardiopulmonary exercise test before and after 17 weeks of exercise training (50-80% VO(2peak)). Results Baseline VO(2peak) and LVMI were similar between TT and MM/MT groups, and II and DD/DI groups. Exercise training increased significantly and similarly VO(2peak) in homozygous TT and MM/MT individuals, and homozygous II and DD/DI individuals. In addition, exercise training increased significantly LVMI in TT and MM/MT individuals (76.5 +/- 3 vs. 86.7 +/- 4, P=0.00001 and 76.2 +/- 2 vs. 81.4 +/- 2, P=0.00001, respectively), and II and DD/DI individuals (777 +/- 4 vs. 81.5 +/- 4, P=0.0001 and 76 +/- 2 vs. 83.5 +/- 2, P=0.0001, respectively). However, LVMI I in TT individuals was significantly greater than in MM/MT individuals (P=0.04). LVMI was not different between 11 and DD/DI individuals. Conclusion Left-ventricular hypertrophy caused by exercise training is exacerbated in homozygous TT individuals with angiotensinogen polymorphism. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 16:487-492 (C) 2009 The European Society of Cardiology

Angiotensin processing is partially carried out by carboxypeptidases in the rat mesenteric arterial bed perfusate

Here we investigated the possible association between the carboxypeptidase A (CPA)-like activity of the rat mesenteric arterial bed (MAB) perfusate and the ability of this fluid of forming angiotensin (Ang) 1-9 and Ang 1-7 upon incubation with Ang I and Ang II, respectively. Initially, we observed that anion exchange chromatography of the perfusate would consistently split the characteristic Z-Val-Phe-hydrolyzing activity of CPA-like enzymes into five distinct peaks, whose proteolytic activities were then determined using also Ang I and Ang II as substrates. The resulting proteolytic profile for each peak indicated that rat MAB perfusate contains a complex mixture of carboxypeptidases; tentatively, five carboxypeptidases were distinguished based on their substrate preferences toward Z-Val-Phe. Ang I and Ang II. The respective reactions, namely, Z-Val-Phe cleavage, Ang I to Ang 1-9 conversion and Ang II to Ang 1-7 conversion, were inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline and nearly fully blocked by potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor. Also, all the CPA-like activity peaks prepared by anion exchange chromatography were tested negative for contaminating Ang I-converting enzyme-2, cathepsin A and prolylcarboxypeptidase. Overall, our results indicate that rat MAB perfusate contains a multiplicity of Ang I and Ang II-processing CPA-like enzymes whose proteolytic specificities suggest they might perform peculiar regulatory roles in the local resin-angiotensin system. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ANGIOTENSIN III MODULATES THE NOCICEPTIVE CONTROL MEDIATED BY THE PERIAQUEDUCTAL GRAY MATTER

Endogenous angiotensin (Ang) II and/or an Ang II-derived peptide, acting on Ang type I (AT(1)) and Ang type 2 (AT(2)) receptors, can carry out part of the nociceptive control modulated by periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). However, neither the identity of this putative Ang-peptide, nor its relationship to Ang II antinociceptive activity was clarified. Therefore, we have used tail-flick and incision allodynia models combined with an HPLC time course of Ang metabolism, to study the Ang III antinociceptive effect in the rat ventrolateral (vi) PAG using peptidase inhibitors and receptor antagonists. Ang III injection into the vIPAG increased tail-flick latency, which was fully blocked by Losartan and CGP 42,112A, but not by divalinal-Ang IV, indicating that. Ang III effect was mediated by AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, but not by the AT(4) receptor. Ang III injected into the vIPAG reduced incision allodynia. Incubation of Ang II with punches of vIPAG homogenate formed Ang III, Ang (1-7) and Ang IV. Amastatin (AM) inhibited the formation of Ang III from Ang II by homogenate, and blocked the antinociceptive activity of Ang II injection into vIPAG, suggesting that aminopeptidase A (APA) formed Ang III from Ang II. Ang III can also be formed from Ang I by a vIPAG alternative pathway. Therefore, the present work shows, for the first time, that: (i) Ang III, acting on AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, can elicit vIPAG-mediated antinociception, (ii) the conversion of Ang II to Ang III in the vIPAG is required to elicit antinociception, and (iii) the antinociceptive activity of endogenous Ang II in vIPAG can be ascribed preponderantly to Ang III. (C) 2009 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of a Local Renin-Angiotensin System in Rat Gingival Tissue

Background: The systemic renin-angiotensin system (RAS) promotes the plasmatic production of angiotensin (Ang) II, which acts through interaction with specific receptors. There is growing evidence that local systems in various tissues and organs are capable of generating angiotensins independently of circulating RAS. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression and localization of RAS components in rat gingival tissue and evaluate the in vitro production of Ang II and other peptides catalyzed by rat gingival tissue homogenates incubated with different Ang II precursors. Methods: Reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction assessed mRNA expression. Immunohistochemical analysis aimed to detect and localize renin. A standardized fluorimetric method with tripeptide hippuryl-histidyl-leucine was used to measure tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, whereas high performance liquid chromatography showed products formed after the incubation of tissue homogenates with Ang I or tetradecapeptide renin substrate (TDP). Results: mRNA for renin, angiotensinogen, ACE, and Ang II receptors (AT(1a), AT(1b), and AT(2)) was detected in gingival tissue; cultured gingival fibroblasts expressed renin, angiotensinogen, and AT(1a) receptor. Renin was present in the vascular endothelium and was intensely expressed in the epithelial basal layer of periodontally affected gingival tissue. ACE activity was detected (4.95 +/- 0.89 nmol histidyl-leucine/g/minute). When Ang I was used as substrate, Ang 1-9 (0.576 +/- 0.128 nmol/mg/minute), Ang II (0.066 +/- 0.008 nmol/mg/minute), and Ang 1-7 (0.111 +/- 0.017 nmol/mg/minute) were formed, whereas these same peptides (0.139 +/- 0.031, 0.206 +/- 0.046, and 0.039 +/- 0.007 nmol/mg/minute, respectively) and Ang 1 (0.973 +/- 0.139 nmol/mg/minute) were formed when TDP was the substrate. Conclusion: Local RAS exists in rat gingival tissue and is capable of generating Ang II and other vasoactive peptides in vitro. J Periodontol 2009;80:130-139.

Lifetime Overproduction of Circulating Angiotensin-(1-7) Attenuates Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertension-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction and Remodeling

We evaluated the development of arterial hypertension, cardiac function, and collagen deposition, as well as the level of components of the renin-angiotensin system in the heart of transgenic rats that overexpress an angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)-producing fusion protein, TGR(A1-7)3292 (TG), which induces a lifetime increase in circulating levels of this peptide. After 30 days of the induction of the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension model, DOCA-TG rats were hypertensive but presented a lower systolic arterial pressure in comparison with DOCA-Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. In contrast to DOCA-SD rats that presented left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, DOCA-TG rats did not develop cardiac hypertrophy or changes in ventricular function. In addition, DOCA-TG rats showed attenuation in mRNA expression for collagen type I and III compared with the increased levels of DOCA-SD rats. Ang II plasma and LV levels were reduced in SD and TG hypertensive rats in comparison with normotensive animals. DOCA-TG rats presented a reduction in plasma Ang-(1-7) levels; however, there was a great increase in Ang-(1-7) (approximate to 3-fold) accompanied by a decrease in mRNA expression of both angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the LV. The mRNA expression of Mas and Ang II type 1 receptors in the LV was not significantly changed in DOCA-SD or DOCA-TG rats. This study showed that TG rats with increased circulating levels of Ang-(1-7) are protected against cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis and also present an attenuated increase in blood pressure after DOCA-salt hypertension. In addition, DOCA-TG rats showed an important local increase in Ang-(1-7) levels in the LV, which might have contributed to the attenuation of cardiac dysfunction and prefibrotic lesions. (Hypertension. 2010;55:889-896.)

Avalia����o da posi����o condilar e disfun����o temporomandibular em pacientes com m�� oclus��o de Classe II submetidos �� protrus��o mandibular ortop��dica

OBJETIVO: avaliar a participa����o da protrus��o mandibular ortop��dica e da posi����o condilar na preval��ncia de sinais e sintomas de disfun����o temporomandibular (DTM). METODOLOGIA: a amostra foi composta por 60 indiv��duos divididos em 3 grupos, sendo o grupo I correspondente a indiv��duos n��o tratados; o grupo II composto por jovens em tratamento com o Bionator; e o grupo III por jovens j�� tratados com este aparelho. Os indiv��duos da amostra responderam a um question��rio relativo aos principais sintomas de DTM, permitindo a classifica����o dos mesmos de acordo com a presen��a e severidade dessas disfun����es. Esses jovens tamb��m se submeteram �� avalia����o da movimenta����o mandibular, palpa����o dos m��sculos mastigat��rios e inspe����o de ru��dos articulares. Radiografias transcranianas padronizadas das ATMs direita e esquerda foram realizadas, para obten����o do grau de concentricidade condilar. RESULTADOS: os testes ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis e qui-quadrado foram utilizados para an��lise dos dados. De acordo com os resultados do question��rio anamn��sico, 66,67% da amostra foram classificados com aus��ncia de DTM; 30% com DTM leve e apenas 3,33% com DTM moderada, sem diferen��a entre os grupos estudados (p > 0,05). Quanto �� concentricidade condilar, o grupo II apresentou os valores de menor concentricidade (c��ndilos mais anteriorizados), com diferen��a estatisticamente significante em rela����o ao grupo I (p < 0,05). Uma associa����o entre a concentricidade condilar e a preval��ncia de DTM, no entanto, n��o foi encontrada. CONCLUS��O: a protrus��o ortop��dica, apesar de alterar a posi����o dos c��ndilos, n��o aumentou a preval��ncia de DTM na popula����o estudada.

Efeitos do aparelho Jasper Jumper no tratamento da m�� oclus��o de Classe II

OBJETIVO: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos esquel��ticos e dentoalveolares do tratamento de pacientes com m�� oclus��o de Classe II com o aparelho Jasper Jumper associado ao aparelho ortod��ntico fixo, comparados a um grupo controle n��o-tratado. M��TODOS: a amostra foi constitu��da por 47 indiv��duos, divididos em dois grupos: Grupo 1, contendo 25 pacientes com idade m��dia de 12,72 anos, tratados com o aparelho Jasper Jumper por um tempo m��dio de 2,15 anos; Grupo 2 (controle), composto por 22 indiv��duos com idade m��dia de 12,67 anos, n��o-submetidos a tratamento ortod��ntico e com m�� oclus��o de Classe II, observados por um per��odo m��dio de 2,12 anos. Foram avaliadas as telerradiografias ao in��cio e ao final do tratamento ortod��ntico para o Grupo 1 e do per��odo de observa����o para o Grupo 2. As vari��veis cefalom��tricas iniciais, finais e as altera����es com o tratamento foram comparadas entre os grupos por meio do teste t independente. RESULTADOS: em compara����o ao grupo controle, o grupo Jasper Jumper apresentou maior restri����o do deslocamento anterior da maxila e maior retrus��o maxilar, melhora da rela����o maxilomandibular, diminui����o da convexidade facial, maior protrus��o e intrus��o dos incisivos inferiores e maior extrus��o dos molares inferiores, al��m de maior diminui����o dos trespasses horizontal e vertical e maior melhora da rela����o molar. CONCLUS��O: a corre����o da Classe II no grupo tratado com o Jasper Jumper e aparelhagem fixa se deu principalmente devido �� restri����o do crescimento maxilar, protrus��o e intrus��o dos incisivos inferiores e extrus��o dos molares inferiores.

Class II malocclusion occlusal severity description

OBJECTIVES: It is well known that the efficacy and the efficiency of a Class II malocclusion treatment are aspects closely related to the severity of the dental anteroposterior discrepancy. Even though, sample selection based on cephalometric variables without considering the severity of the occlusal anteroposterior discrepancy is still common in current papers. In some of them, when occlusal parameters are chosen, the severity is often neglected. The purpose of this study is to verify the importance given to the classification of Class II malocclusion, based on the criteria used for sample selection in a great number of papers published in the orthodontic journal with the highest impact factor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search was performed in PubMed database for full-text research papers referencing Class II malocclusion in the history of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJO-DO). RESULTS: A total of 359 papers were retrieved, among which only 72 (20.06%) papers described the occlusal severity of the Class II malocclusion sample. In the other 287 (79.94%) papers that did not specify the anteroposterior discrepancy severity, description was considered to be crucial in 159 (55.40%) of them. CONCLUSIONS: Omission in describing the occlusal severity demands a cautious interpretation of 44.29% of the papers retrieved in this study.

Caracter��sticas oclusais de pacientes com Classe II, divis��o 1, tratados sem e com extra����es de dois pr��-molares superiores

OBJETIVOS: o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar caracter��sticas oclusais iniciais de pacientes Classe II, divis��o 1, tratados sem e com extra����es de dois pr��-molares superiores. M��TODOS: foram selecionados 62 pacientes que apresentavam m�� oclus��o de Classe II, divis��o 1, os quais foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com a forma de tratamento proposta, sendo o grupo 1 constitu��do de 42 pacientes (23 do sexo feminino e 19 do sexo masculino), com idade m��dia de 12,7 anos, tratados sem extra����es e com aparelho fixo combinado com extrabucal; e o grupo 2, composto de 20 pacientes (6 do sexo feminino e 14 do sexo masculino), com idade m��dia de 13,5 anos, tratados tamb��m com aparelho fixo combinado com uso de extrabucal, mas que tiveram indica����o de extra����es de dois pr��-molares superiores em seus planos de tratamento. Para observar as caracter��sticas oclusais iniciais e finais, assim como suas altera����es com o tratamento, foi utilizado o ��ndice de Prioridade de Tratamento (IPT). Os valores dos ��ndices foram submetidos �� an��lise estat��stica pelo teste t independente, para comparar as vari��veis entre os grupos. RESULTADOS E CONCLUS��ES: os resultados demonstraram que o grau de m�� oclus��o inicial foi diferente nos dois grupos quando avaliados pelo IPT, sendo maior no grupo tratado com extra����es de dois pr��-molares superiores

Classe II divis��o 1 associada �� defici��ncia transversal maxilar. Tratamento com disjuntor tipo Hyrax e aparelho de Herbst: relato de caso cl��nico

A m�� oclus��o de Classe II divis��o 1 de Angle ��, frequentemente, acompanhada da atresia maxilar. Esse problema transversal da maxila deve ser corrigido, sempre que poss��vel, antes da corre����o anteroposterior, sendo que os aparelhos de expans��o r��pida s��o os mais utilizados para isso. Para a corre����o da Classe II, atualmente, os aparelhos funcionais fixos s��o os mais estudados e empregados, por serem aparelhos intrabucais e necessitarem de menor colabora����o do paciente. O objetivo deste estudo �� demonstrar a estabilidade dos resultados obtidos ap��s seis anos de tratamento com expansor tipo Hyrax, seguido do aparelho funcional fixo de Herbst e aparelho fixo. Ap��s uma revis��o da literatura, ser�� apresentado um caso cl��nico, com atresia maxilar e m�� oclus��o de Classe II divis��o 1, tratado com essa terapia. O tratamento foi realizado em um curto per��odo de tempo, com resultados funcionais e est��ticos satisfat��rios e mantidos ao longo dos anos.

Avalia����o da inclina����o dent��ria no tratamento compensat��rio do padr��o II com tomografia computadorizada

OBJETIVO: avaliar as altera����es nas inclina����es dos dentes anteriores causadas pelo tratamento ortod��ntico, utilizando-se aparelho Straight-Wire, prescri����o II Capelozza, antes e ap��s a fase de nivelamento com fios ortod��nticos de a��o de sec����o retangular. M��TODOS: foram selecionados 17 indiv��duos adultos de padr��o facial II, m�� oclus��o Classe II, indicados para tratamento ortod��ntico compensat��rio. As inclina����es dos dentes anteriores foram avaliadas em tr��s tempos cl��nicos, ap��s o uso dos fios ortod��nticos de di��metros 0,020" (T1); 0,019" x 0,025" (T2) e 0,021" x 0,025" (T3), atrav��s de exames de tomografia computadorizada. Empregou-se a an��lise de vari��ncia de Friedman, com n��vel de signific��ncia de 5%, na compara����o entre os tempos. RESULTADOS: observou-se que o fios retangulares empregados n��o foram capazes de produzir uma mudan��a significativa na mediana da inclina����o dent��ria, exceto por uma discreta altera����o nos incisivos laterais inferiores (p<0,05). Por outro lado, constatou-se que a varia����o das inclina����es observadas era menor no fio retangular 0,021" x 0,025", principalmente para os incisivos superiores (p<0,001). CONCLUS��O: fios retangulares 0,021" x 0,025" produzem uma maior homogeneidade no grau de varia����o na inclina����o dos incisivos superiores, embora sem mudan��a significativa na sua mediana.

A influ��ncia do protocolo de extra����o de dois pr��-molares superiores na estabilidade oclusal do tratamento da Classe II

OBJETIVO: com o prop��sito de avaliar a influ��ncia da extra����o de dois pr��-molares superiores na estabilidade oclusal do tratamento da m�� oclus��o de Classe II completa, foi realizada uma compara����o com o protocolo de tratamento sem extra����es. M��TODOS: selecionou-se, a partir das documenta����es do arquivo da Disciplina de Ortodontia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, uma amostra composta pelas documenta����es de 59 pacientes com m�� oclus��o de Classe II completa. Em seguida, dividiu-se essa amostra em dois grupos, apresentando as seguintes caracter��sticas: Grupo 1, constitu��do por 29 pacientes, tratados sem extra����es; e Grupo 2, composto por 30 pacientes, tratados com extra����es de dois pr��-molares superiores. Os modelos ao in��cio do tratamento, ao final do tratamento e em um per��odo m��nimo de 2,4 anos ap��s o tratamento foram medidos e avaliados por meio dos ��ndices oclusais IPT e PAR. As condi����es oclusais ao final do tratamento e no est��gio p��s-tratamento, o percentual de recidiva e as altera����es oclusais p��s-tratamento foram comparados por meio do teste t. RESULTADOS: os resultados demonstraram que os protocolos de tratamento sem extra����o e com extra����es de dois pr��-molares superiores n��o apresentaram, em nenhuma das vari��veis avaliadas, diferen��as estatisticamente significativas em rela����o �� estabilidade oclusal do tratamento da m�� oclus��o de Classe II completa. CONCLUS��O: a extra����o de dois pr��-molares superiores no tratamento da m�� oclus��o de Classe II completa n��o influenciou a estabilidade dos resultados oclusais alcan��ados ao final da corre����o ortod��ntica. Portanto, terminar o tratamento com uma rela����o molar em Classe II ou em Classe I proporciona estabilidade semelhante.