The inter-relation between epithelial cells of Malassez and vessels studied immunohistochemically in the periodontal membrane of human primary and permanent teeth

Abstract

Background. Only few immunohistochemical studies have focused on the periodontal membrane in human primary teeth. Recently, studies on epithelial cells of Malassez and innervation have been published. Studies on the inter-relation between vessels and the epithelial cells of Malassez are seemingly lacking. Aim. The aim of this immunohistochemical study is to describe the histological inter-relation between epithelial cells of Malassez and vessels in the periodontal membrane close to the root surface of human primary and permanent teeth. Methods. Twenty-nine human primary teeth and 15 permanent teeth were extracted in connection with dental treatment. The teeth were fixated, embedded in paraffin, cut in serial sections and examined immunohistochemically for epithelial cells of Malassez using wide spectrum screening and vessels using Von Willebrand Factor VIII. Results. The study showed that vessels and epithelial cells of Malassez are seen parallel to the root surface. The vessels are seen on that side of the epithelial cells of Malassez, which are not facing the root surface. Conclusion. The vascularization appeared similar in primary and permanent teeth.

Key Words::

• blood vessels
• epithelial cells of Malassez
• periodontal ligament

Acknowledgements

Dentists in municipal clinics on Zealand and dentists in the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark forwarded primary and permanent teeth for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The authors thank Maria Kvetny, MA, for linguistic support and consultancy in manuscript preparation.Funding was provided by: Tandlaegeforeningen (KOF/Calcinfonden and FORSKU), Copenhagen, Denmark; The Danish Medical Research Council (under Danish Agency for Science, Technology and Innovation), Copenhagen, Denmark; the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; and the IMK Foundation.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.