ABSTRACT
The identification and the development of potential growth factors for the cells of the periodontal ligament is an important and novel stratagem for the regeneration of tissue destroyed by periodontal pathogens. The problem is that growth factors are difficult to synthesize, very immunogenic and expensive. The purpose of our study was to determine if angiotensin-II, a naturally occurring octo-peptide with growth-factor like properties in cardiac muscle, could also stimulate cultured human periodontal ligament cells. If angiotensin-II does have growth factor properties, then it should be able to increase cytoplasmic calcium (a secondary messenger associated with mitogenesis) and to increase fibroblast proliferation. Fura-2 fluorescence and aequorin photometry were used to follow changes in cytoplasmic calcium. Cytometry and total amount of DNA were used to measure proliferation evoked by angiotensin-II. We found that angiotensin-II increased cytoplasmic calcium, the total amount of DNA and cell number, suggesting that angiotensin-II has mitogenic properties for cells isolated from human periodontal ligament.
Subject(s)
Angiotensin II/pharmacology , Calcium/metabolism , Cytoplasm/drug effects , DNA/drug effects , Growth Substances/pharmacology , Mitogens/pharmacology , Periodontal Ligament/drug effects , Aequorin , Cell Count/drug effects , Cell Division/drug effects , Cells, Cultured , Cytoplasm/metabolism , Fibroblasts/cytology , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Flow Cytometry , Fluorescent Dyes , Fura-2 , Humans , Luminescent Proteins , Periodontal Ligament/cytology , Periodontal Ligament/metabolism , Photometry , Second Messenger Systems/drug effectsABSTRACT
A long-standing lesion associated with an undetected perforation of the furca in a mandibular molar was successfully managed using a multidisciplinary treatment approach. The sequence of therapeutic procedures involved conventional endodontic retreatment, an initial orthograde sealing of the perforation, guided tissue regeneration, and a subsequent orthograde resealing of the perforation with Ketac-Endo and Intermediate Restorative Material.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Bone Loss/surgery , Furcation Defects/surgery , Root Canal Therapy , Tooth Injuries/complications , Tooth Root/injuries , Adult , Female , Furcation Defects/etiology , Glass Ionomer Cements , Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal , Gutta-Percha , Humans , Mandible , Methylmethacrylates , Molar , Patient Care Team , Periodontal Pocket/etiology , Periodontal Pocket/surgery , Periodontal Pocket/therapy , Reoperation , Root Canal Filling Materials , Root Canal Therapy/adverse effects , Root Canal Therapy/methods , Tooth Injuries/etiology , Tooth Injuries/therapy , Zinc Oxide-Eugenol CementABSTRACT
The free gingival graft is a simple, predictable technique for increasing the zone of attached gingiva. Dentists interested in performing minor surgical procedures should include the free gingival graft in their armamentarium. Indications and contraindications have been established, but the decision regarding the adequacy of the attached gingiva remains one of clinical judgment. The clinician must evaluate several variables, including the width of the attached gingiva, the patient's age, recession history, oral hygiene practices, teeth involved, and dental records. In the opinion of the authors, the free gingival graft usually should not be used in areas of inadequate attached gingiva when root coverage is indicated. Other techniques are more predictable and yield a more esthetic result.
