Regional differences in molecular cross-linking of periodontal ligament collagen of rat incisor, by polarizing microscopy

Collagen, a naturally birefringent biopolymer and key structural component of the periodontal ligament (PDL), is altered substantially with regard to its molecular cross-linked structure by the dietary lathyrogen, beta-amino-proprionitrile (beta-APN). Our purpose in studying beta-APN-fed animals was to learn if the strength of birefringence of periodontal collagen, measured microscopically by the Senarmont compensator method, correlates with the molecular changes known to occur in these lathyritic animals, and to explore this technique for the periodontal ligament. Five experimental animals were fed a diet containing 0.25% beta-APN for two weeks, and 3 control animals were fed normal rat chow. Tissues were decalcified and the mandibular incisors were cut in cross section at 4 microns and stained with eosin Y. The Senarmont compensator, an attachment for the polarizing microscope, was used to measure phase retardation. Ten measurements were taken from each of the three sides (mesial, lateral and lingual) of the triangularly shaped incisor sections. The collagen fibers of the beta-APN-fed rats had lower values of phase retardation than the controls (p < 0.001), indicating reduced molecular organization. In addition, minor but significant regional differences were revealed, supporting the method for structural studies on the periodontal collagen.

Ultrastructure of the rat periodontal ligament as observed with quick-freeze, deep-etch and replica methods: arrangement of collagen and related structures

The ultrastructure of the periodontal ligament of rat molars was examined with the quick-freeze, deep-etch replica methods. It was mainly composed of elongated fibroblast-like cells and 40- to 50-nm-wide collagen fibrils that are arranged parallel to one another to form fibers approximately 1 micron in width. Collagen fibrils are composed of 10-nm-wide substructures that may run helically against the long axis of the fibril. Numerous rod-like structures ('rods') approximately 10 nm in width are present around the collagen fibrils. Individual or groups of rods span spaces between neighboring collagen fibrils to interconnect them. The surfaces of the fibroblast-like cells are also connected to the nearest collagen fibrils through the rods. In place, strands with a thickness similar to that of the rods were seen self-assembled into irregular meshwork structures. The treatment of the tissue with 10% sodium hydroxide for up to 5 days removed most of these rods and strands, thus exposing a three-dimensional arrangement of collagen fibrils that is often not fully visualized in untreated tissues. With histochemical staining of thinly sectioned tissues using Alcian blue, these rods and strands were positively stained, and thus they were demonstrated to be composed of proteoglycans. The ultrastructural arrangement of the periodontal ligament, observed in this study as a delicate interaction of collagen and proteoglycan components, is likely to play a significant role in the transmission of occlusal forces applied to the tissue and in the dissipation of mechanical shock.

Ultrastructural changes in cultured human periodontal ligament cells exposed to dental materials

The cytopathic effects of a range of dental restorative cements were examined by electron microscopy using an in vitro model with cultured test cells derived from human periodontal ligament. Monolayers were fixed and processed in situ after 2, 24, and 48 h exposure. Many cells showed lysis after two hours exposure consistent with immediate acute injury. Cultures subsequently recovered, reflecting different susceptibilities of cells to injury, and at later stages showed distinct patterns of cell damage in response to different restorative materials. These were related primarily to either cytoplasmic or nuclear damage and to changes resembling apoptosis.

On the developing periodontal ligament of rats, using a new specimen preparation method for SEM in comparison with histochemistry

To visualize the cells and fibers of the developing periodontal ligament (PDL) by scanning electron microscope (SEM), we examined a new tissue preparation method including decalcification, sectioning by cryomicrotome, and chemical treatment for removal of cells or collagen fibers. The advantages of this method were as follows: (1) it was possible to expose the restricted area, (2) it caused no damage by heat or various embedding agents such as paraffin or resin, and (3) it was possible to make comparisons the SEM observation with histochemical or immunohistochemical observation using the neighboring sections. We could classify the development of PDL into three stages by alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and observe each stage by this method. Stage I was the zone of dental follicle proper that showed negative ALPase activity. Stage II was the tissue surrounding the disrupted Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) which evinced intense ALPase activity, and stage III was the further advanced zone of differentiation that displayed moderate ALPase activity. Using this new method for SEM, cells with many processes and thin fibers were seen irregularly at stage II. On the other hand, at stage III, fibers were seen as interconnecting meshworks of thick bundles and cells that showed regularly arranged rows running obliquely to the surface of the root and alveolar bone. At the transition between stages II and III, the thickness and orientation of fibers changed abruptly.

Response of single, pairs, and clusters of epithelial cells to substratum topography

Cells cultured on grooved substrata change their shape, orientation, and direction of locomotion in response to substratum topography, a phenomenon called contact or topographic guidance. Porcine epithelial cells (E-cells) spread on micromachined grooved or smooth control surfaces were examined by epifluorescence and confocal microscopy to determine area, cell shape, and orientation in conjunction with distributions and orientations of actin filaments and microtubules. Single cells, cells within a pair or cluster, and pairs or clusters considered as a unit were compared. As expected, cell contact increased cell spreading, but surprisingly, increased cell contact influenced cell shape on smooth and grooved surfaces and increased alignment of cells spread on grooves. Both actin filaments and microtubules aligned initially and most consistently along the walls and ridge-groove edges. Single E-cells displayed the least variability of aligned cytoskeletal patterns. E-cells within clusters displayed the most variability as local topographic effects on the cytoskeleton could be overridden by adjacent cell contact. Overall, contact guidance of E-cells was neither synonymous with nor contingent upon an elliptical morphology oriented to the topography. E-cells also differed from fibroblasts in their response to cell contact and in their lack of a relationship between cell polarity and locomotion.

The repair of orthodontic root resorption: an ultrastructural study

It has previously been shown by light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), that after force is terminated, repair of the orthodontic root resorption lacunae occur by deposition of new cementum. The ultrastructural details of the process are not well established. Since it has been hypothesized that a new barrier to protect the root surface is formed during the reparative phase, new information on this aspect of orthodontic root resorption may be valuable. The aim of the present investigation was, by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to study in more detail the repair of orthodontic root resorption lacunae and the re-establishment of the adjacent periodontal membrane (PM). Three experimental tooth movement groups of rats (age 40-45 days) were used. The maxillary first molar was moved mesially by a closed coil spring for 10, 14, and 21 days. The results indicate that transition of active root resorption into a process of repair which occurs even in the presence of a light force, is associated with invasion of fibroblast-like cells from the circumference into the active root resorption site. After 10 days, formation of new tooth supporting structures was seen in the periphery of the resorption lacunae, while active resorption by multinucleated odontoclast-like cells (OD) took place in the central parts. In the later phases, after termination of force, the repair process is similar to the early cementogenesis occurring during tooth development. New mineralized cementum was observed on the resorbed root surface by 21 days. After deposition of the new cementum, the structures of a new periodontal ligament (PDL) were comparable with the control specimens.

Extrusion of root-filled incisors in beagles--a light microscope and scanning electron microscope investigation

The response of the periodontal ligament to orthodontic extrusion of the incisor of a beagle was examined with light microscope and scanning electron microscope techniques. The ligament morphology was slightly altered by the procedure but was essentially normal. Teeth that were extruded and retained for 12 weeks exhibited partial relapse. Where a full thickness mucogingival flap was raised and immediately replaced in lieu of retention, continued extrusion was observed. Root resorption was observed at the interproximal region of the cervical third in three out of five specimens. The resorption had been repaired with cellular cementum.

Multilayer culture of periodontal ligament epithelial cells: a model for junctional epithelium

The unique features of junctional epithelium involve lack of keratinization, limited differentiation and a relatively permeable structure. In order to study the relationship between differentiation and permeability of stratified epithelium a model system was developed. Porcine periodontal ligament epithelial cells were cultured on the polycarbonate nucleopore membrane of the Transwell two-compartment culture system. Within 5 days of culture the cells formed a confluent multilayered structure. Subsequently, maturation of the structure and differentiation of surface cells took place. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cells were arranged into basal and suprabasal layers with sparse desmosomal attachments and wide intercellular spaces resembling the organization of junctional epithelium. The basal cells attached to a subepithelial basal lamina through numerous hemidesmosomes. The cytokeratin profile of the cultured epithelium (K5, 6, 14, 16, 19) resembled that of the cells of junctional epithelium attached to the tooth surface. The older cultures expressed differentiation markers, K4, K13 and involucrin, thereby resembling sulcular epithelium. The epithelial permeability, measured by diffusion of phenol red, radioactive dextran or methionine tracers, and as transepithelial electrical resistance, decreased with the increased cell number and maturation of the cultures. The new model provides an organotypic culture system which allows to control differentiation of a multilayered periodontal epithelium. It thus may serve as a valuable new tool for studies on the permeability and behaviour of periodontal epithelium under the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors.

The effects of aging upon the connective tissues of the periodontal ligament

The ultrastructural features of the cells and of the oxytalan fibers within the periodontal ligaments of aged rats (2 year old) were quantified and compared with data for tissues obtained from younger animals (8 week old). Sections of the mid-root regions of the mandibular first molars were prepared for examination by TEM. The fibroblasts of the aged rats were found to differ in 3 respects: the areas occupied by endoplasmic reticulum were significantly less, the areas occupied by intracellular collagen profiles were also less, and both the numbers and sizes of intercellular contacts were significantly different (p < 0.05). For the oxytalan fibers, no differences were observed between the periodontal ligaments of the aged and control animals both in terms of numbers of fibers per 50 microns and in terms of area of tissue occupied. Thus, in contrast to the apparent lack of age changes so far determined for the extracellular matrix of the periodontal ligament (collagen fibrils and oxytalan), the periodontal fibroblasts exhibit some age changes as perceived at the ultrastructural level.

Collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer in the teeth of the rat and the house shrew, Suncus murinus, by scanning electron microscopy using a maceration method

It is not well known whether there are gaps in the tight junctions between odontoblasts and whether the fluid flows from the pulp to the predentin through these gaps. The collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer were investigated using a maceration method in order to show the existence of the gaps between tight junctions of the odontoblasts. The mandibles containing teeth of the rat and the house shrew were digested by NaOH maceration and revealed the architecture of the collagen fibrils under scanning electron microscopy. The collagen fibrils went from the pulp, through the odontoblast layer, and were woven into the collagen network of the predentin in all teeth used in this study. Thick bundles of collagen were seen in the odontoblast layer at the pulp horn of the rat molars. Because there are many collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer, it is considered that the tight junction of the odontoblast is of the discontinuous type.

The effect of glycosylaminoglycans on the mineralization of sheep periodontal ligament in vitro

The effect of removal of glycosylaminoglycans on the mineralization of sheep periodontal ligament was determined using enzyme digests followed by incubation in solutions supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite at pH 7.4. TEM revealed that control periodontal ligament remained unmineralized. However, tissue from which glycosylaminoglycans had been removed contained plate-like crystals arranged parallel to and within the collagen fibrils. Electron probe and electron diffraction studies suggested that the crystals were apatitic with a similar order of crystallinity to dentine, and a Ca:P ratio of 1.61. In addition, the glycosylaminoglycan content of periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone was compared using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Periodontal ligament contained predominantly dermatan sulfate while cementum and alveolar bone contained mostly chondroitin sulfate. A role for glycosylaminoglycans in maintaining the unmineralized state of the periodontal ligament is suggested. Control of expression of specific proteoglycan species on a spatially restricted basis is presumably central to this role.

Differentiation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts into osteoblasts during socket healing after tooth extraction in the rat

BACKGROUND

The entire socket after tooth extraction is filled with new bone formed by osteoblasts (Obs), but the origin of these Obs remains unknown. Thus, the proliferation and migration of paravascular and endosteal fibroblastic cells and periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts (Fbs) and their differentiation into Obs during socket healing after extraction of the first maxillary molars of the rat were investigated.

METHODS

The proliferative activity and migration of these cells in the sockets after tooth extraction were studied using radioautography and immunohistochemistry after injection of 3H-thymidine and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU), respectively. Their morphological changes during differentiation was investigated by transmission electron microscopy.

RESULTS

One day after tooth extraction, PDL Fbs were the major cell type in the PDL remnant of the socket. Proliferation was low (labeling index (LI) = approximately 2%) until 16 h after tooth extraction but dramatically increased to a maximum level 1 day postextraction (LI = 23%). Between 1 and 2 days, numerous PDL Fbs in the PDL remnant actively migrated into the coagulum and continued to proliferate. On the basis of the high proliferative activity and small number of cellular organelles responsible for procollagen synthesis, these cells appear immature. At 3 days, Fbs contained more cellular organelles and deposited more collagen fibers as they replaced the coagulum with dense connective tissue and the LI declined. At 4 and 5 days, some of the Fbs began to differentiate into Obs, and the proliferation of Fbs dramatically decreased to baseline values. The migration of PDL Fbs and their differentiation into Obs were investigated by labeling with 3H-thymidine or BrdU 1 day after tooth extraction. Heavily labeled Fbs were observed in the PDL remnant at 1 day, in the coagulum at 2 days, and in the dense connective tissue at 3 days. Labeled Obs associated with new bone were seen 4 days after injection. Endosteal and paravascular Fbs also proliferated, but at a lower level and at later time periods than the PDL Fbs. Surprisingly, endosteal and paravascular Fbs contributed only a small population of Fbs to socket healing.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that PDL Fbs after tooth extraction actively proliferative, migrate into the coagulum, form dense connective tissue, and differentiate into Obs which form new bone during socket healing.

The fibrous architecture of the rat periodontal ligament in cryosections examined by scanning electron microscopy

Cryosections through the incisor and molar teeth of the rat mandible were examined, with and without hyaluronidase pretreatment, in the scanning electron microscope. In the fully erupted molar teeth the fibres of the periodontal ligament were organized into bundles which crossed the space from the alveolus to the cementum and inserted into the associated mineralized tissues. In the erupting incisor teeth, three distinct zones were evident. The outer alveolar and cemental zones were composed of coarse fibre bundles which inserted into the adjacent mineralized tissues, while the middle zone was composed of collagenous laminates running along the axis of the tooth. These observations confirm a proposed model for the structure of the erupting periodontal ligament and suggest that the method used will provide further information about the role of the ligament in tooth support and eruption.

The vasculature of the periodontal ligament: a scanning electron microscopic study using corrosion casts in the rat

The purpose of this study was to examine the 3-dimensional architecture of the microvascular system of the rat periodontal ligament (PDL). Vascular corrosion casts were prepared and examined by scanning electron microscopy. Cervically, arterioles and venules communicated with the profuse capillary network of the gingiva. The mid-root segment of the PDL contained arterioles and venules that mainly coursed occluso-apically near the alveolar wall, as well as capillary loops located closer to the root surface. Arterioles entered the PDL through vascular canals from the bone marrow, then coursed coronally and branched into an interconnected network of capillaries. The capillaries formed hairpin loops pointing coronally. At the tip, the capillary loops were enlarged in diameter and had an irregular luminar surface. The capillaries then coursed apically, anastomosing freely, until entering a venule. Large venules mainly followed a coronal-apical path, giving the PDL vasculature a palisade-like appearance. These vessels either left the PDL through vascular canals in the alveolar wall or connected in an apical, venous cap with venules exiting through the apical foramen. The results show that the microvasculature forms a highly organized system presumably related to the specialized functions of the periodontium. Cervically, a dense capillary system may be required for antimicrobial defense and rapid tissue turnover. The vasculature in the middle segment supports the suspensory structures, while the venous cap in the apical region may be designed to cushion masticatory forces.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

RME-induced root resorption and repair: a computerised 3-D reconstruction

This study was designed to evaluate the 3-D relation of epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) to orthodontically induced resorption lacunae in human tooth roots. First premolars were extracted following rapid maxillary expansion, then they were prepared for transmission electron microscopy and sectioned. Serial 1 micron sections were used for the 3-D reconstructions and ultra thin sections were utilized to verify the identification of epithelial cells and blood vessel types. Each serial section was photographed and profiles of the resorption bays, epithelial cells and blood vessels were digitized and computer reconstructions performed with an IBM-based software programme. The reconstructions supported the view that epithelial cell and blood vessel relation to the resorption lacunae appeared to be related to the level of activity of the bay. Possible functional roles for epithelial cells in the resorptive process are discussed.

Collagen fibrils in the odontoblast layer of the rat incisor by scanning electron microscopy using the maceration method

BACKGROUND

There is not universal agreement on the existence of the extracellular pathway from the pulp along the odontoblast layer to the predentin.

METHOD

To confirm this pathway, the architecture of collagen fibrils in the rat incisor dentin and pulp, especially in the odontoblast layer of the lateral (periodontal ligament) sides of the tooth, was demonstrated in the present investigation using scanning electron microscopy of the maceration method for collagen networks.

RESULTS

Numerous collagen bundles were observed in the odontoblast layer in the mature odontoblast region which, except for the young odontoblast region, comprises the major portion of the incisor. The collagen bundles went from the pulp, through the odontoblast layer, and were woven into the collagen network of the predentin. The meshwork structure was composed of fine secondary fibrils among these collagen bundles. The surface of the predentin contained many oval-shaped holes which were surrounded by collagen fibrils. Fracturing the dentin longitudinally relative to the dentinal tubules revealed that the arrangement of the collagen fibrils at the surface of the tubules was either circular or oblique. In the young odontoblast region, i.e., the thin portion from the apical end of the incisor where the mineralization of the dentin does not occur and where the height of the odontoblasts was less than 30 microns, many thick bundles composed of thick collagen fibrils ran straight from the pulp to the predentin through the odontoblast layer and fanned out in the collagen network of the predentin. These thick bundles might correspond to the so-called "von Korff fibers." The distribution of collagen fibrils in the pulp was random except on the surface of the blood vessels where the fibrils comprised two sheets of collagen: the inner sheet which coursed longitudinally to the long axis of the vessel, and the outer sheet which ran transversely.

CONCLUSION

It was considered that the fluid in the pulp could flow to the predentin along the collagen fibrils through the tight junction between the odontoblasts.

Multi-nucleated cells remove the main hyalinized tissue and start resorption of adjacent root surfaces

Recent studies revealed that the initial root resorption occurred in the peripheries of the necrotic periodontal ligament (PDL) and was performed by mono-nucleated non-clast macrophage- and fibroblast-like cells (Brudvik and Rygh, 1993a, b). The aim of the present transmission electron microscopic (TEM) investigation was to study in more detail the cells involved in removal of the main hyalinized tissue and those involved in root resorption, occurring on the root surface situated beneath the main hyalinized tissue. Twelve male Wistar rats were used. The maxillary first molar was moved mesially by a fixed orthodontic appliance for 7 and 10 days. The results indicate that multi-nucleated giant cells (MNGC) without a ruffled border surface, as well as mono-nucleated macrophage-like cells were responsible for removal of the necrotic tissue and also for resorption of the surface parts of the root cementum. Although the present MNGC showed many morphological traits similar to the observed odontoclasts and osteoclasts, except for their lack of ruffled borders, it is assumed that they are derived from the mono-nucleated phagocytic system. Multi-nucleated clast-like cells with ruffled border were never observed near the remnants of the necrotic tissue. Such cells were found only in the resorption lacunae on root and bone surfaces.

Root resorption beneath the main hyalinized zone

A previous investigation on the initial phase of root resorption associated with orthodontic overcompression of local areas of the periodontal ligament (PDL), indicated that a differentiation should be made between two stages: (1) the very first resorption occurring in the periphery of the main necrotic zone; and (2) the root resorption occurring on that part of the root surface situated beneath the main bulk of necrotic tissue (Brudvik and Rygh, 1993a). The aim of the present investigation was to study the latter stage. Attention was focused on: (1) the possible association between the presence of necrotic tissue and root resorption; and (2) the cells that invaded and removed the necrotic tissue, as well as the cells that started to remove/resorb the cementum. Mesial movement of the upper first molars (rats) and lower first molars (mice) was performed by a fixed orthodontic appliance. The results indicate an association between the root resorption, and the presence and active removal of the hyalinized tissue. Root resorption beneath the main hyalinized zone occurred in areas where invading cells were observed close to the root surface. The majority of the cells involved in removal of the necrotic tissue and resorption of the root surface were multi-nucleated and TRAP-positive. It is hypothesized that multi-nucleated TRAP-positive cells when reaching the subjacent contaminated and damaged root surface after having removed necrotic PM tissue, continued to remove the cementum surface.

Regulation of cell volume and [Ca2+]i in attached human fibroblasts responding to anisosmotic buffers

Alteration of the cell volume of attached fibroblasts with anisosmotic buffers was used to examine the relationship between cell membrane perturbation and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and to study pathways that may be involved in transducing this response. Human periodontal ligament gingival fibroblasts grown on cover slips were loaded with fura 2-acetoxymethyl ester. The relative cell volume change of single fibroblasts was estimated by measurement of fluorescence intensity at the isosbestic wavelength (356 nm), and [Ca2+]i was calculated from ratiometric fura 2 emission with excitation at 345 and 380 nm. Isotonic buffer (300 mosmol/kgH2O) was substituted with either hypertonic (600 mosmol/kgH2O) or hypotonic (150 mosmol/kgH2O) buffer after baseline recordings. Attached cells exhibited a rapid decrease in cell volume and [Ca2+]i after hypertonic buffer treatment, which was associated with an increase in filamentous actin staining. In contrast, cells treated with hypotonic buffers demonstrated an increase in cell volume (mean approximately 10%), a significant decrease in filamentous actin staining, and a rapid transient elevation in [Ca2+]i (mean approximately 280 nM). This [Ca2+]i rise was significantly inhibited by ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, gadolinium ions (P < 0.05), and inhibitors of actin assembly. These results indicate that [Ca2+]i fluxes in response to hypotonic cell swelling in attached fibroblasts are mediated by stretch-activated ion channels and are dependent on actin filaments.

Structural aspects of the reversal phase of alveolar bone remodelling

The ultrastructure of the reversal line during alveolar bone remodelling was investigated in the rat. Surface bone remodelling along the periosteum of the mandible was induced by the extraction of opposing maxillary molars. With transmission EM the reversal line was seen to be composed of a superficial electron-dense amorphous layer and a deep filamentous layer at 7 d after extraction. The reversal line exhibited strong alkaline phosphatase activity and contained acid mucopolysaccharide. Scanning EM of the surface of the line, exposed by sonication in distilled water, showed papillary structures, the surface of which appeared granular and exhibited a crystalline appearance. The tips of collagen fibrils of new bone were attached to the top of the papillae in the front area of bone formation. It is suggested that the reversal line is involved in the coupling of bone resorption and formation.

Electron microscopic studies of nuclear bodies in the human periodontal ligament

Nuclear bodies are proteinaceous structures containing ribonucleoproteins found throughout the cell nucleus. The presence of simple and complex nuclear bodies in fragments of periodontal ligament obtained from 10 teeth and in fibroblast-like cells cultured from the same specimens was studied. Nuclear bodies were seen in fibroblasts and less commonly in endothelial cells from all periodontal ligament specimens in vivo and also in periodontal ligament fibroblasts cultured in vitro. The majority of the nuclear bodies were of the simple type, viz. spherical, filamentous and surrounded by a clear halo. Complex nuclear bodies were also identified, mainly in fibroblasts. They were spherical and surrounded by a filamentous capsule but their core was granular or filamentous and sometimes exhibited a concentric arrangement. Some of the bodies resembled, and were close to nucleoli; others were similar to lipid bodies and were free within the nucleoplasm. Although recent studies have suggested that certain types of nuclear bodies may be involved in active transcription, the function of the nuclear bodies in the periodontal ligament remains unknown.

Ultrastructural morphology of vascular endothelial junctions in periodontal ligament

The TEM was used to categorize vessels and their junctions in normal and tensioned rat maxillary molar periodontal ligament. In tensioned periodontal ligament mean luminal diameters of capillaries were significantly smaller (p < 0.001). Goniometer tilting of sections with apparent tight regions revealed that only 16 per cent were actual tight junctions. The other regions proved to be close junctions (85 per cent) and open junctions (4 per cent). No gap junctions were found. These findings establish that morphologically the periodontal ligament contains a microvascular bed of 'leaky' endothelium with a potentially high permeability factor.

Expression of the type I collagen gene in rat periodontal ligament during tooth movement as revealed by in situ hybridization

The in situ hybridization technique used digoxigenin-labelled oligodeoxynucleotide. In untreated molars, cells expressing a positive signal for type I collagen mRNA were distributed uniformly in the periodontal ligament space. After experimental tooth movement, the density of cells expressing a positive signal appeared to be much greater in the tension side than the pressure side. In both sides the distribution of the positively hybridizing cells was uniform along the principal fibres of the ligament. This characteristic distribution appeared at 12 h after the initiation of tooth movement, reached a maximum at 1-3 days, and persisted for about 14 days during the treatment. These results indicate that the remodelling of collagen fibres in periodontal ligament occurs in an orderly manner throughout the principal fibres, mainly on the tension side, and that the recovery of gene expression for type I collagen occurs within the first 14 days in response to experimental tooth movement.

Non-clast cells start orthodontic root resorption in the periphery of hyalinized zones

Previous research has indicated that orthodontically-induced root resorption is regularly associated with local trauma, most often with over-compression of the periodontal ligament (PDL). Recent research has revealed that the initial root resorption occurs in the periphery of the necrotic PDL, where mononucleated cells not stained by tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), are the first cells to penetrate the root surface. The aim of the present transmission electron microscopic (TEM) investigation was to study in more detail the root surface during the initial penetration of cells into precementum and mineralized cementum. In 21 Wistar rats (age 40-45 days) the maxillary first molar was moved mesially by a closed coil spring for 6 and 12 hours, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days. The results clearly indicate a role for mononucleated non-clast cells in the initial local removal of precementum and mineralized acellular cementum in the periphery not only near, but also at some distance from the compressed PDL. 1. Macrophage-like cells phagocytosed necrotic tissue in the middle of the PDL after 6 hours and near the root surface close to the hyalinized zone after 24 hours. 2. Fibroblast-like cells seemed to break down by phagocytic and collagenolytic activity the precementum near the hyalinized zone after 24 hours. 3. The surface layers of mineralized cementum were removed by mononucleated cells which occurred on the mineralized cementum after 3 days. 4. Multinucleated cells without ruffled border occurred in the PDL at some distance from the root surface after 24 hours. Multinucleated cells with a ruffled border towards the mineralized root surface were rare during the 5 days' period.

The development of cellular cementum in rat molars, with special reference to the fiber arrangement

To elucidate how intrinsic and extrinsic fibers are arranged during cementogenesis, rat cellular cementum was observed in various developmental stages by light and electron microscopy. As cementogenesis progressed, the periodontal ligament cells showed characteristics of collagen-secreting cells, wing-like processes, and delimited extracellular compartments. The principal fibers were organized into substantial bundles in these compartments. The organization of extrinsic and intrinsic fibers progressed in parallel with the extracellular compartmentalization. The main results suggest the following. (1) The extracellular compartments formed by periodontal ligament cells regulate the three-dimensional architecture of the principal fibers. (2) The compartments formed by cementoblasts are essential for the formation of the typical intrinsic-extrinsic fiber structures. When the cementoblasts move away from the cementum surface or are embedded in the cementum, these cells retract the processes that have encircled the principal fibers. At the same time, these cells secrete intrinsic fibers around the principal fibers. This results in the typical intrinsic-extrinsic fiber structures. (3) In the early stage when the cellular compartmentalization is not established, both the intrinsic and extrinsic fibers are irregularly arranged.