Changes in the microvasculature of the rat molar periodontal ligament due to loss of ocolusal function

Abstract

We studied changes in the microvasculature of the periodontal ligament and in the periodontal tissues that occurs when teeth lose occlusal function. We used 12-week-old rats to observe the lingual periodontal ligament in the middle and apical thirds of the distal root of the left mandibular first molar at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after loss of occlusal function. The microvasculature was observed with scanning electron microscopy, and the periodontal tissues were observed with light microscopy.
We found that few changes occurred in the microvasculature in the middle and apical thirds of the root at 1 day after loss of occlusal function. However, some changes such as narrowing of the blood vessels in the middle and apical thirds of the root were noticed at 3 days. The blood vessels were compressed and disappeared in the middle of the root as a result of narrowing of the periodontal space, and proliferated in the space near the bone as eruption of the tooth caused the width of the periodontal space to expand in the apical third at 5, 7 and 14 days. It was clear that morphologic changes in the microvasculature were different in the middle and apical thirds of the root. Shika Igaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 2002 Mar; 65(1): 91-105.