ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the multi-differentiated capability of human periodontal ligament cell population (hPDLP), and provide a theoretical basis for the periodontal regeneration by tissue engineering technique.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>hPDLP was cultured from periodontium of human tooth by the outgrowth method. STRO-1 and CD 146 expression were investigated by flow cytometry. hPDLP was induced to odontogenic/osteogenic-like and adipogenic-like cell. The multilineage differentiation capacities of hPDLP were evaluated by alizarin red stain, oil red O stain, anti-CD146 and STRO-1 immunocytochemistry, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>hPDLP was isolated from human periodontium and most of the cells retained their fibroblastic spindle shape. hPDLP can be induced into osteoblast-like cells and adipocyte-like cells, and calcium deposition and lipid droplets were detected perspectively. And the eighth generation of hPDLP had weaker potential into adipocyte-like cells than the first passage, however, there was no difference to the aspect of calcification ability between the two passages.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>hPDLP cultured in vitro can differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts, and the first to third passage cells may have the predominance of differentiation potential.</p>