Microanatomical changes and biomolecular expression at the PDL ‐entheses during experimental tooth movement

The novel aspect of this study was to contextualize the co ‐localization of biomolecular expression in widened and narrowed periodontal ligament (PDL)‐space within a mechanically activated periodontal complex. The PDL is unique as it is the only ligament with both innervation and vascularization. Maxillary molars in 6‐week‐old male C57BL/6 mice (N  = 5) were experimentally translated for 2 weeks using an elastic spacer. Contralateral teeth were used as controls. Mechanical testing of the periodontal complex of a mouse in situ and imaging using X‐ray micro‐computed tomography (micro‐XCT) illustrated deformations within blood vessels (BV ) of the PDL. PDL‐bone and PDL‐cementum entheses at the widened and narrowed PDL‐spaces following experimental tooth movement (ETM) illustrated osterix (OSX), bone sialoprotein (BSP), cluster of differentiation 146 (CD146), and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), indicating active remodeling at these sites. PGP9.5 positive nerve bundles (NBs) were co‐localized with multinucleated cells (MCs), Howship's resorption lacunae, and CD146 positive BVs. Association between nerves and MC was complemented by visualizing the proximity of osmium tetroxide stained NBs with the ultrastructure of MCs by performing scanning transmission electron microscopy. Spatial association of NB with BV, and NB with MC, provided insights into the plausible co‐activation of NBs to initiate osteoclastic activity. Resorption of mineral occurred as an...
Source: Journal of Periodontal Research - Category: Dentistry Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research