High mitochondrial density within peripheral nerve fibres of the periodontal ligament of the rat incisor

Effect of BDNF depletion on the formation of Ruffini endings in vibrissa follicles and the survival of their mechanoreceptive neurons in trigeminal ganglion

We examined the influence of BDNF depletion in peripheral tissues on the formation of Ruffini endings and their neuronal survival by injections of neutralizable anti-BDNF antibody into mouse mystacial pads for periods of 5 days at different developmental stages of the Ruffini endings (the pre-formation stage from the 2nd to 6th day after birth, the formation stage from the 4th to 8th, or the post-formation stage from the 10th to 14th). The treatment at the pre-formation and formation stages caused a significant decrease in the number of Ruffini endings in vibrissa follicles. This decrease in Ruffini endings was accompanied with a significant increase in neuron apoptosis in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) in both stages. However, at the post-formation stage, the anti-BDNF injection showed no effect on the formation of the mechanoreceptors nor their neuronal survival. In the post-formation stage, the axoplasmic spins of Ruffini endings were circumferentially embraced with the cytoplasmic processes of terminal Schwann cells. The present study indicates that target-derived BDNF is essential for survival of mechanoreceptive nerves in the pre-formation and formation stages, but not in the post-formation stages of their development. It seems that Schwann cells participate in this switch-over of neuronal dependency on brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

A possible mechanism of mechanoreception in Ruffini endings in the periodontal ligament of hamster incisors

The topographical relationship between Ruffini endings and the surrounding collagen fibers in the periodontal ligament of hamster incisors was investigated by means of both immunohistochemistry for neurofilament protein (NFP) and electron microscopy. Periodontal Ruffini endings, a type of stretch receptor, were present exclusively in the alveolar half of the periodontal ligament. Their axon terminals were densely and regularly associated with transverse collagen fibers, possibly forming a mechanoreceptive complex. Since blood sinuses with frequent anastomoses extended throughout the alveolus-related part, the densely innervated collagen bundles were separated from each other by the vascular spaces. Electron microscopic observation of specimens stained with tannic acid revealed a linkage between the axon terminals of the Ruffini endings and the surrounding collagen filaments. The axon terminals were enveloped by multiple layers of the basal lamina, which were penetrated by collagen filaments. The irregularly arranged collagen filaments were sandwiched between electron-dense laminae of the multilayered basal lamina. The possible mechanism of mechanoreception by the periodontal Ruffini endings is discussed on the basis of the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings.

The ultrastructure of Ruffini endings in the periodontal ligament of rat incisors with special reference to the terminal Schwann cells (K-cells)

The Ruffini endings and associated cells in the periodontal ligament of rat incisors were investigated by means of immunohistochemistry for glia-specific S-100 protein and electron microscopy. Numerous Ruffini endings, which were immunoreactive for S-100 protein as well as for neurofilament protein, were distributed in the alveolus-related part of the lingual periodontal ligament. In electron microscopy, the Ruffini endings displayed expanded axoplasmic spines filled with a large number of mitochondria and neurofilaments; some of the spines directly contacted the surrounding collagen fibers via fingerlike projections. The axoplasmic spines and Schwann sheath, for the most part, were covered alternately by single or multiple layers of the basal lamina. Several rounded cells showing S-100 immunoreactivity occurred in the vicinity of the Ruffini endings. The rounded cells associated with Ruffini endings possessed a kidney-shaped nucleus and enveloped the axoplasmic spines with their cytoplasmic processes. From these morphological features, the cells in question were identified as the K-cells described by Everts et al. (1977). These K-cells developed Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum, suggesting active synthesis of proteins. Immunohistochemistry at the electron microscopic level revealed an intense immunoreactivity for S-100 protein in the cytoplasm of the K-cell and led to a conclusion that the K-cells were terminal Schwann cells associated with Ruffini endings, presumably corresponding to the lamellar cells in the inner bulb of sensory corpuscles.

Electron-microscopic affiliations of oxytalan fibres, nerves and the microvascular bed in the mouse periodontal ligament

Throughout the ligament, oxytalan fibres were contiguous to myelinated nerves, unmyelinated exposed axons and free nerve endings. In the cervical and apical regions, accumulations of vessel-related simple and complex mechanoreceptor units were associated with collagen fibrils and fibres of the oxytalan system. The various receptors and nerve endings penetrated to the abluminal surface of the endothelial wall in the different categories of vessels constituting the microvascular bed. Periodontal receptors with oxytalan fibres were also present in the septal wall of dividing vessels and related to endothelial protrusions into the lumen of microvessels. Similarities existed between periodontal mechanoreceptors and baroreceptors. Anatomically, the oxytalan-fibre meshwork provided coupling between the various mechanoreceptor units in the microvascular bed. This periodontal model has morphological characteristics which support the hypothesis that the oxytalan-fibre meshwork forms part of a proprioceptor system for the regulation of vascular flow.