Migratory ability of cells derived from periodontal tissues and their attachment to root surfaces

Abstract

The migratory ability in collagen gel of cells from the periodontal ligament (PDL), alveolar bone and gingiva of monkeys were compared. In addition, the cell attachment to cementum and dentin were examined ultrastructurally. The migratory ability of PDL cells was less than that of cells from bone and gingiva. Although the migrated bone and gingival cells produced fibrillar materials on the cementum, the PDL cells could not establish an ideal attachment to either cementum or dentin. The decreased function of the PDL cells suggests that they do not respond to various stimulating factors.