Age changes in the microvasculature of the periodontal ligament of the rat molar

Abstract

We investigated sequential changes with age in the microvasculature of the periodontal ligament of male rat mandibular molars at one month intervals up to 24 months of age. Capillary loops around the root surface generally changed form a hairpin type to an arcade form. During this time the formation of cementum also advanced cervically from the apical region, and considerable new cementum was deposited. Age changes in the microvasculature of the rat periodontal ligament appears closely related to capillary loop and cementum formation.