Growth of porcine enamel-, dentin-, and cementum-derived cells in collagen-glycosaminoglycan matrices in vitro: expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and contraction

The objective of the study was to investigate the behavior of porcine enamel, dentin, and cementum cells, isolated from tissue digests and growing out from explants, in monolayer culture and in a collagen-glycosaminoglycan (GAG) matrix for tissue engineering. A notable finding of the study was the expression of a contractile muscle actin isoform, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), by each cell type and their contraction of the collagen-GAG scaffold. Of importance was the immunohistochemical demonstration that the majority of ameloblasts and odontoblasts in vivo contained SMA. Western blot analysis demonstrated the presence of SMA in all of the cell types. A large amount of SMA was found in the odontoblasts after the first passage. SMA expression in the enamel- and cementum-derived cells appeared to increase with time in culture and with passage number. The implications of this finding for tissue engineering and the possible roles for SMA in dental tissue cells are discussed.

Cementum matrix formation in vivo by cultured dental follicle cells

Dental follicle is the fibrous tissue that surrounds the developing tooth germ, and it is believed to contain progenitors for cementoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, and osteoblasts. In this study, we report the presence of cementoblast progenitors in cultures of bovine dental follicle cells and demonstrate their differentiation capacity. Bovine dental follicle cells (BDFC) obtained from tooth germs by collagenase digestion were compared with bovine alveolar bone osteoblasts (BAOB) and bovine periodontal ligament cells (BPDL) in vitro and in vivo. In culture, BDFC exhibited low levels of alkaline phosphatase activity and expressed mRNA for osteopontin (OP) and type I collagen (COLI), as well as low levels of osteocalcin (OC) mRNA. In contrast, cultured BAOB exhibited high alkaline phosphatase activity levels and expressed mRNA for OC, OP, COLI, and bone sialoprotein (BSP). To elucidate the differentiation capacity of BDFC in vivo, cells were transplanted into severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and analyzed after 4 weeks. Transplanted BDFC formed fibrous tissue and cementum-like matrix, which stained positive for anti-cementum attachment protein (CAP) monoclonal antibody (3G9), and expressed mRNA for OC, OP, COLI, and BSP. On the other hand, transplanted BAOB formed bone-like matrix, but were negative for anti-CAP monoclonal antibody. The BPDL transplants formed fibrous tissue that contained a few cells expressing CAP. These results indicate that cementoblast progenitors are present in BDFC, which can provide a useful model for investigating the molecular mechanisms of cementogenesis.

Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with enamel matrix derivative: a literature review

The enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been recently introduced in the periodontal field to overcome short-comings associated with currently available regenerative techniques. Information accumulated over the past years with application of EMD guided regeneration (EGR) in intrabony periodontal defects allowed a thorough evidence-based retrospective analysis. Clinical data from EMD controlled studies were pooled for meta-analysis and weighted according to the number of treated defects. Clinical attachment gain amounted to 3.2 +/- 0.9 mm (33% of the original attachment level) and probing reduction averaged 4.0 +/- 0.9 mm (50% of the baseline probing depth) for a total of 317 lesions with a mean baseline depth of 5.4 +/- 0.8 mm. Improvements in clinical parameters achieved with EMD were statistically significant in reference to preoperative measurements. However, despite the overall efficacy of EGR therapy, a significant variation in clinical outcomes was observed. Similar therapeutic results were reported in studies where EGR was compared directly to guided tissue regeneration. However, the controlled clinical trials did not have adequate statistical power to firmly support superiority or equivalency between the 2 regenerative therapies. The statistical superiority of EGR over treatment with open flap debridement has been established. Preliminary histologic investigations with surgically created defects and experimental periodontal lesions demonstrated the ability of EGR to induce formation of acellular cementum and promote significant anaplasis of the supporting periodontal tissues. The potential of EMD to encourage periodontal regeneration was also confirmed in human intrabony defects. However, recent human histologic studies have questioned both the consistency of the histologic outcomes and the ability of EGR to predictably stimulate formation of acellular cementum. Identifying clinical modifying parameters and understanding cellular interactions are apparently essential for the development of methodologies to enhance predictability and extent of EGR clinical and histologic results.

Histocompatible Healing of Periodontal Defects After Application of an Injectable Calcium Phosphate Bone Cement. A Preliminary Study in Dogs

BACKGROUND

A novel injectable, fast setting calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is currently used in orthopedic therapy for bone fractures. This study evaluated the possibility of applying this cement to healing periodontal defects.

METHODS

Fenestrations and 3-walled periodontal defects were surgically created on bilateral first molars and canines in 5 beagle dogs. CPC was applied to the defects on one side of the mandible. Untreated defects on the contralateral side served as controls. CPC was applied to all defects in the maxilla. Twelve weeks after surgery, the animals were sacrificed and decalcified and undecalcified specimens were prepared. Periodontal tissue healing was evaluated histologically and histometrically under a light microscope.

RESULTS

Healing of periodontal tissues in terms of bone and cementum formation was consistently observed in the CPC-applied sites. CPC was partly replaced by new bone. The residual CPC appeared detached from the denuded root surface. New cementum and periodontal ligament-like tissue were observed between the detached CPC and root surface. No unfavorable reaction was noted in the CPC-applied sites. No statistically significant difference was noted in the experimental or control sites under histometric analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 treatment groups, histological observation indicated that CPC seemed to act as a scaffold for bone formation and provided histocompatible healing of periodontal tissues in this study. This cement might be applicable to periodontal therapy; however, further investigations are required.

Influence of cementum on the demineralization and remineralization processes of root surface caries in vitro

The influence of the nature of the root surface on the demineralization and remineralization processes within artificial fluoride-treated caries lesions was investigated using microscopic and X-ray microanalytical methods. Traces of fluoride were detected in the outer parts (about 25 micrometers) of the lesions after the application of fluorides, and a high mineral content was proved for the same region by means of microanalytical calcium estimation. The location of this mineral-rich band in relation to the root surface was deeper into the root depending on the existence and thickness of a cementum layer. However, within the dentine the location and intensity of the mineral content were unaffected by the cementum. Investigation of artificial caries lesions without fluoride treatment showed the following: The degree of mineralization was kept at a higher level near the root surface in the presence of cementum. Consequently, a cementum layer gives some initial caries resistance of the root surface.

Effect of mechanical loading on periodontal cells

Mechanical loading is an important regulatory factor in alveolar bone homeostasis, and plays an essential role in maintaining the structure and mass of the alveolar processes throughout lifetime. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular responses of periodontal cells is a prerequisite for further improvements of therapeutic approaches in orthodontics, periodontal and alveolar bone repair and regeneration, implantology, and post-surgical wound healing. The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into some cell culture and animal models used for studying the effects of mechanical loading on periodontal cells, and into the recent developments and utilization of new in vivo animal models. There has been an increased awareness about the need for improvement and development of in vivo models to supplement the widely used cell culture models, and for biological validation of in vitro results, especially in the light of evidence that developmental models may not always reflect bone homeostasis in an adult organism. Due to the limitations of in vivo models, previous studies on mechanical regulation of alveolar bone osteoblasts and cementoblasts mostly focused on proliferative responses, rather than on the stimulation of cell differentiation. To address this problem, we have recently characterized and implemented a mouse osteoinductive tooth movement model for studying mechanically induced regulation of osteoblast- and cementoblast-associated genes. In this model, a defined and reproducible mechanical osteogenic loading is applied during a time course of up to two weeks. Regulation of gene expression in either wild-type or transgenic animals is assessed by a relative quantitative measurement of the level of target mRNAs directly within the subpopulations of periodontal cells. To date, results demonstrate a defined temporal pattern of cell-specific gene regulation in periodontal osteoblasts mechanically stimulated to differentiate and deposit bone matrix. The responses of osteoblast-associated genes to mechanical loading were 10- to 20-fold greater than the increase in the numbers of these cells, indicating that the induction of differentiation and an increase of cell function are the primary responses to osteogenic loading. The progression of the osteoblast phenotype in the intact mouse periodontium was several-fold faster compared with that in cultured cells, suggesting that the mechanical signal may be targeting osteoblast precursors in the state of readiness to respond to an environmental challenge, without the initial proliferative response. An early response of alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein genes was detected after 24 hrs of treatment, followed by a concomitant stimulation of osteocalcin and collagen I between 24 and 48 hrs, and deposition of osteoid after 72 hrs. Although cementoblasts constitutively express biochemical markers similar to those of osteoblasts, distinct responses of osteocalcin, collagen I, and bone sialoprotein genes to mechanical loading were observed in the two cell phenotypes. This finding indicates that differential genetic responses to mechanical loading provide functional markers for distinction of the cementoblast and osteoblast phenotypes.

[Biology of periodontal regeneration: a review and a hypothesis for future researches]

Since the end of the seventies several studies have been carried out about the possibility of regeneration of periodontal osseous defects. The results of such researches supported by histological tests allowed to establish which surgical techniques could yield periodontal regeneration in a predictable way. In spite of a quite large diffusion of these sugical techniques in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects, some biological aspects of periodontal regeneration are still unknown. The most important among them is the origin and the differentiation pathway of the synthetic cells that shall provide for the reconstruction of the deep periodontium. Particularly, the phenotypic pattern and the origin of cementoblasts are not clear. Our researches focused on pericytes, a mesenchyma-derived cell population with remarkable differentiation capacities which have a microvascular location. We considered the hypothesis that pericytes could play an important role in regeneration of the alveolar bone, of the cementum and of the periodontal ligament. Should pericytes be actually the precursors of osteoblatsts, fibroblasts and cementoblasts involved in periodontal regeneration, new therapies, such as cultivated cells reimplantation or the targeted use of growth factors could be feasible. Future researches shall verify these observations.

Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption. Part I: The basic science aspects

Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) or, as it is better known, root resorption, is an unavoidable pathologic consequence of orthodontic tooth movement. It is a certain adverse effect of an otherwise predictable force application. Although it is rarely serious, it is a devastating event when it is radiographically recognized. Orthodontics is probably the only dental specialty that actually uses the inflammatory process as a means of solving functional and esthetic problems. Force application initiates a sequential cellular process. We know exactly how and when it is evoked, but we are unable to predict its actual overall outcome. The extent of this inflammatory process depends on many factors such as the virulence or aggressiveness of the different resorbing cells, as well as the vulnerability and sensitivity of the tissues involved. Individual variation and susceptibility, which are related to this process, remain beyond our understanding. We are therefore unable to predict the incidence and extent of OIIRR after force application. This contemporary review is divided into two parts. In Part I, we discuss the basic sciences aspects of OIIRR as a continuation of our previously published work. In Part II, we present the clinical aspects of this subject.

Computer assisted image analysis methods for evaluation of periodontal wound healing

The aims of this study were to determine the accuracy of the computer assisted image analysis method and to evaluate its application for the assessment of periodontal wound healing in dogs. Histological material was analyzed with an optic microscope connected to a CCD color camera which transmitted the image to a frame grabber converting the light signals into pixels from which the measurements could be obtained. Twenty sections were read to assess the intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility for the parameters of area filled by new tissue, area of epithelium, area of bone and linear measurements of the cementum. The data were statistically analyzed using the t-test to test the hypothesis that there was no difference between and within examiners. No statistically significant differences were noted (with a confidence interval of 95%) for any parameter when intra-examiner reproducibility was assessed. Similar results were achieved for surface areas when the inter-examiner readings were computed. However, values of linear measurements for cementum showed statistically significant differences between recorders (p < 0.05). Results were consistently uniform and the method demonstrated high accuracy when intra-examiner readings were evaluated.

Periodontal regeneration by FGF-2 (bFGF) in primate models

We recently demonstrated that a topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2; bFGF) to alveolar bone defects in beagle dogs enhanced periodontal regeneration. The purpose of this study was further characterization of the biological effects of FGF-2 in non-human primates. Thirty-two inflamed furcation class II defects were surgically created in 4 male primates. The gelatinous carrier alone or the carrier containing 0.1 or 0.4% human recombinant FGF-2 was topically applied to the defects and compared with no treatment. Eight weeks after application, the periodontal regeneration in those defects was analyzed. In all FGF-2-treated sites, significant periodontal regeneration was dose-dependently observed in greater amounts than in the carrier-treated or non-treated sites. No instances of epithelial down-growth, ankylosis, or root resorption were observed in the FGF-2-treated sites. These results indicate that a topical application of FGF-2 can enhance considerable periodontal regeneration in surgically created furcation class II defects of non-human primates.

Cellular events at the onset of physiological root resorption in rabbit deciduous teeth

For elucidation of how physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth is initiated, the cellular events that occur surrounding the root of rabbit deciduous teeth before and at the onset of physiological root resorption were observed by means of light and electron microscopy. In addition, the cytodifferentiation of odontoclasts during the initial phase of this root resorption was evaluated by histochemical staining of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity as a marker odontoclasts and their precursors. The present investigation was focused on the physiological root resorption of the deciduous lower second molar of rabbits from Day 0-5 postnatally. At birth, the deciduous molar had not erupted yet, and no TRAP-positive cell could be found surrounding the tissue adjacent to the root of the deciduous tooth. TRAP-positive mononuclear cells were initially detected in the coronal portion of the dental follicle of the permanent tooth at Day 1 postnatally. Ultrastructurally, these mononuclear cells had moderate numbers of mitochondria and short-strand rough endoplasmic reticulum, as well as scattered free ribosomes throughout their cytoplasm. TRAP-positive mononuclear cells then appeared in the cementoblast layer immediately adjacent to the surface of the deciduous roots. These mononuclear cells projected cytoplasmic extensions between the cementoblasts and made contact with the cementum. At that time, cell-cell contact was frequently observed between these mononuclear cells and cementoblasts. During 3-5 days postnatally, the number of TRAP-positive multinucleate odontoclasts on the root surface gradually increased. They had well-developed ruffled borders and made typical resorption lacunae on the root surface of the deciduous tooth. During this early postnatal period, neither inflammatory cells nor necrotic tissue could be observed surrounding the deciduous root. This study demonstrates that the dental follicle of the permanent tooth as well as the connective tissue adjacent to the deciduous root might play important role in site- and time-specific recruitment, development, and activation of odontoclasts before and at the onset of physiological root resorption.

Periodontal healing in humans using anorganic bovine bone and bovine peritoneum-derived collagen membrane: a clinical and histologic case report

The authors report the clinical and histologic data on the healing of a severe periodontal lesion obtained in a one-walled intrabony defect using anorganic bovine bone under a bovine peritoneum-derived collagen membrane. Eight months after surgery, a bone-like tissue replaced the lost tissues. A biopsy of this tissue was carried out. In the part of the specimen closer to the residual bony wall of the original defect, anorganic bone particles (ABP) appeared to be surrounded by a layer of newly formed bone; its osteocyte lacunae were colonized by osteocytes from the host, and actively secreting osteoblasts were observed in many microscopic fields. No resorption phenomena were observed in the ABP Newly formed cementum with actively secreting cementoblasts was present on the tooth surface, and well-oriented fibers inserting in both newly formed cementum and bone were observed. In an area far from residual bone, all ABP did not appear to be surrounded by newly formed bone. Osteocytic lacunae appeared not to be colonized by cells, and ABP was surrounded by dense connective tissue without osteoblasts near the grafted particles. A very limited amount of newly formed bone, without relations with ABP, was observed close to the root surface. From a clinical point of view, anorganic bone in association with a collagen membrane can be effective in the treatment of bony defects characterized by an unfavorable architecture. From a histologic point of view, the clinical appearance of bone regeneration is not always confirmed in the part of the defect far from the bony walls.

Utilization of MO6-G3 immortalized odontoblast cells in studies regarding dentinogenesis

Tooth formation is the result of reciprocal instructive interactions between oral epithelium and cranial neural-crest-derived ectomesenchymal tissues. These interactions lead to the cytodifferentiation of highly specialized matrix-forming cell types, the ameloblast, odontoblast, and cementoblast, that produce the mineralized tissues enamel, dentin, and cementum, respectively. Our laboratory has been developing immortalized dental cell lines representative of these various cell types to facilitate studies on gene regulation, cell differentiation, matrix formation, and mineralization. Odontoblasts are solely responsible for the synthesis and secretion of the dentin extracellular matrix bilayer that consists of non-mineralized predentin and mineralized dentin. The mouse immortalized MO6-G3 cell line expresses the major matrix proteins associated with the odontoblast phenotype, producing a matrix that is capable of mineralization. This cell line serves as a useful tool in studies designed to explore the various processes of dentinogenesis. In this paper, we present studies using the mouse odontoblast cell line MO6-G3 as examples of the various research applications. Studies highlighted are: in vitro promoter studies investigating the tooth-specific gene regulation of the major non-collagenous dentin matrix protein, dentin sialophosphoprotein; regulation of tertiary dentin formation by cytokines, such as transforming growth factor-Beta 1; and the utilization of dentally relevant cells in dental material biocompatibility testing.

Physical properties of root cementum: Part I. A new method for 3-dimensional evaluation

Cementum is a nonuniform connective tissue that covers the roots of human teeth. Investigation of the physical properties of cementum may help in understanding or evaluating any possible connection to root resorption. A variety of engineering tests are available to investigate these properties. However, the thickness of the cementum layer varies, and this limits the applicability of these techniques in determining the physical properties of cementum. Hardness testing with Knoop and Vickers indentations overcame some of these limitations, but they prohibited the retrieval and retesting of the sample and therefore the testing was restricted to one area or section of the tooth. Another limiting factor with the existing techniques was the risk of artifacts related to the embedding material such as acrylic. A new method to investigate the physical properties of human premolar cementum was developed to obtain a 3-dimensional map of these properties with the Ultra Micro Indentation System (UMIS-2000; Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Campbell, Australia). UMIS-2000 is a nano-indentation instrument for investigation of the properties of the near-surface region of materials. Premolars were harvested from orthodontic patients requiring extractions and then mounted on a newly designed surveyor that allowed sample retrieval and 3-dimensional rotation. This novel method enabled the quantitative testing of root surface cementum, on all 4 root surfaces, extending from the apex to the cementoenamel junction at 60 different sites.

Immunodetection of noncollagenous matrix proteins during periodontal tissue regeneration

The interface between denuded dentin and regenerative periodontal tissue was investigated in a rat alveolar bone defect model using morphological and immunocytochemical approaches. The dentin surface was surgically exposed along the palatal roots of maxillary first molars. At 3 weeks post treatment, animals were perfused and treated regions from decalcified mandibles were embedded in Epon for ultrastructural studies or LR White for post-embedding immunogold labeling. Thin tissue sections were incubated with antibodies against noncollagenous matrix (osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin and fibronectin) and plasma (alpha2HS-glycoprotein and albumin) proteins. While in some cases, regenerative events took place directly on the denuded dentin surface, the interface between the denuded dentin and regenerating periodontal tissue was frequently characterized by the presence of an interfacial zone. This zone sometimes showed an electron-dense, cement line-like, planar accumulation of organic material immunoreactive for osteopontin and bone sialoprotein. Immunolabeling for osteocalcin and alpha2HS-glycoprotein was moderate and diffuse throughout the interfacial zone, whereas labeling with antibodies to albumin and fibronectin resulted in a weak reaction. It is concluded that accumulation of bone sialoprotein and osteopontin is a primary event during the formation of regenerative cementum onto denuded root surfaces.

The effect of a collagen membrane in regenerative therapy of two-wall intrabony defects in dogs

Guided tissue regeneration that supports the periodontal ligament and bone cells in achieving healthy attachment between teeth and alveolar bone following periodontal therapy has been repeatedly described in the literature. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of an absorbable collagen membrane used in guided tissue regeneration procedures in two-wall intrabony defects. For this purpose, periodontal defects were surgically created around mandibular teeth in nine dogs. In a randomly chosen quadrant in each dog, a collagen membrane was shaped to cover the interproximal bone defect and adjacent root surface. No collagen membrane was placed over the control defects. Block biopsies of test and control sites were obtained from three dogs at 30 days, three dogs at 60 days, and three dogs at 90 days after the procedures. Histomorphologic and histometric evaluations were performed. We observed that both collagen membrane treated and control defects demonstrated similar amounts of new attachment and bone. However, gingival recession and postoperative keratinized tissue loss were observed in most of the sites. Although there was a tendency towards new attachment in both groups, the gingival tissue loss due to recession led to limited regeneration.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) gene delivery for application in periodontal tissue engineering

BACKGROUND

A challenge in the reconstruction of periodontal structures is the targeted delivery of growth-promoting molecules to the tooth root surface. Polypeptide growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulate both cementogenesis and osteogenesis. Recent advances in gene therapy offer the advantage of delivering recombinant proteins to tissues for extended periods of time in vivo.

METHODS

Recombinant adenoviral vectors encoding for the PDGF-A gene were constructed to allow delivery of PDGF transgenes to cells. The recombinant adenoviruses were assembled using the viral backbone of Ad2/CMV/EGFP and replacing GFP (reporter gene encoding green fluorescent protein driven by the cytomegalovirus promoter [CMV] within adenovirus type 2) with the PDGF-A gene. Root lining cells (cloned cementoblasts) were transduced with Ad2/PDGF-A and evaluated for gene expression, DNA synthesis, and cell proliferation. PDGF-inducible genes, c-myc and osteopontin, were also evaluated following gene delivery of Ad2/PDGF-A.

RESULTS

The results revealed high level transduction of cementoblasts by gene transfer for 7 days as evidenced by flow cytometry and Northern blotting. Cementoblast DNA synthesis and subsequent proliferation were stimulated by Ad2/PDGF-A at levels equal to or greater than continuous rhPDGF-AA application. Strong message for the PDGF-A gene and protein as evidenced by Northern blotting and immunocytochemistry was noted. Furthermore, the potent induction of c-myc and osteopontin mRNA was found after PDGF gene delivery to cementoblasts.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that gene delivery of platelet-derived growth factor stimulates cementoblast activity that is sustained above that of rhPDGF-AA application. The use of gene therapy as a mode of growth factor delivery offers a novel approach to periodontal tissue engineering.

Advanced digital photoelastic investigations on the tooth-bone interface

The purpose of this study was to investigate the behavior of the tooth-bone interface on the nature of stress distribution in the tooth and its supporting alveolar bone for various occlusal loads using an advanced digital photoelastic technique. A digital image processing system coupled with a circular polariscope was used for the stress analysis. The phase shift technique and a phase unwrapping algorithm was utilized for fringe processing. This aids in obtaining qualitative and quantitative information on the nature of stress distribution within the dento-osseous structures. The experiments revealed bending stresses within dento-osseous structures. However, the compressive stress magnitude was larger than the tensile stress. Zero stress regions were also identified within the dento-osseous structures. The results suggest that the geometry of the dento-osseous structures and the structural gradients at the tooth-bone interface play a significant role in the distribution of stresses without stress concentrations. Further, the application of an advanced image-processing system with the circular polariscope showed notable advantages and could be applied in other biomechanical investigations.

Participation of periodontal ligament cells with regeneration of alveolar bone

BACKGROUND

It is important to clarify the participation of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in the regeneration of alveolar bone to establish a reliable approach for obtaining periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study was to determine whether PDL cells play an important role in alveolar bone repair during the course of periodontal regeneration.

METHODS

In an in vitro study, the expression of the osteoblast phenotype, such as alkaline phosphatase activity and parathyroid hormone-dependent 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation, was investigated in dog PDL cells (DPLC) and dog bone cells isolated from mandibles (DBC). In a related study, the roots of mandibular third premolars extracted from aged dogs were divided into a PDL(+) group, in which the PDL was preserved, and a PDL(-) group, in which the PDL was removed. These roots were respectively transplanted into surgically created bone cavities with buccal and interproximal bone defects in an edentulous area, prepared in advance by extraction of mandibular fourth premolars. These bone defects with the transplanted roots were completely covered with submerged physical barrier membranes. New bone formation and new connective tissue attachment, which require new cementum and insertion of functionally oriented new collagen fibers of periodontal ligament, were histomorphometrically assessed, and were compared between the PDL(+) and PDL(-) groups 6 weeks after transplantation.

RESULTS

Both cultured DPLC and DBC exhibited the osteoblast phenotype. New connective tissue attachment was observed only in the PDL(+) group. However, alveolar bone was almost completely regenerated to the original bone height in both the PDL(+) and PDL(-) groups, and the amount of newly formed bone was not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

DPLC retain the capability to differentiate into an osteoblast lineage and may act in the regeneration of periodontal ligament with new cementum formation, whereas these cells may have a limited influence on alveolar bone formation during the course of periodontal regeneration.

The initial attachment of cemental fibrils to the root dentin surface in acellular and cellular cementogenesis in rat molars

To elucidate the initial attachment mechanism of cemental fibrils to the root dentin surface in acellular and cellular cementogenesis, developing rat molars were observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined with NaOH maceration. The NaOH maceration was used to observe details of the positional association of cemental and dentinal fibrils during cementogenesis. An initial hematoxylin stained, cementum layer began to form on the root dentin surface with the first dentin mineralization in both acellular and cellular cementogenesis. The initial attachment of cemental fibrils to the dentin surface also began at this point. At the initial attachment the intermingling of cemental and dentinal fibrils occurred only in places. With advanced cementogenesis the initial cementum layer became the fibril-poor cemento-dentinal junction. This suggests that cemental fibrils attach on the initial cementum layer, and not directly on dentinal fibrils, so that the layer results in the fibril-poor cemento-dentinal junction. The present study suggests that an intervening adhesive is necessary for the cemento-dentinal attachment at any stage of cementogenesis in rat molars.

Enamel matrix derivative prolongs primary osteoblast growth

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) secreted by cells of the epithelial root sheath plays an important role in cementogenesis and periodontal tissue formation. The mechanisms by which EMD influences cell function are not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of EMD on cell growth of primary mouse osteoblasts. Osteoblasts were digested from 6- to 8-day-old mouse calvaria and plated into 6-well cell culture plates at an initial density of 5000 cells/cm2. After 24-h incubation with Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, cells were incubated in three different groups of media: DMEM only as control, DMEM with 25 microg/ml EMD, and DMEM with 100 microg/ml EMD. At days 3, 7, 10, and 14, the total cell number per well was calculated, and cell morphology was examined. At each observation period the number of cells in the EMD groups was significantly greater (ANOVA, p < 0.01) than that in the control group. EMD had a greater effect on osteoblast survivor in the higher concentration than in the lower concentration. Furthermore normal morphology of the primary osteoblasts was maintained in the EMD groups. These results suggest that EMD prolongs primary osteoblast growth and may have an effect on osteoblasts during periodontal regeneration.