Glycogen in human cementoblasts and PDL fibroblasts.

Abstract

Healthy human periodontal ligaments (PDL) attached to 22 tooth roots (7 nonfunctioning third molars, 3 functioning first molars, and 12 functioning first premolars) were obtained from 20 patients between 10 and 67 years of age (mostly second and third decades) and examined by transmission electron microscopy. The collagen‐producing cells (CPC) of the attached PDL were the cementoblasts and superjacent fibroblasts. A prominent accumulation of glycogen particles, confirmed by staining with periodic acid‐chromic acid‐silver methenamine, could be detected easily in the CPC of all sections obtained from all age groups and different kinds of teeth. The glycogen was most pronounced in the cementoblasts and was gradually reduced in those fibroblasts lying progressively more distant from the cementum. AcPase‐positive lysosomal bodies sometimes were found within or fused with the clusters of glycogen particles, i.e., alpha particles. Occasionally, extracellular bubble‐like structures with scattered glycogen particles were observed, suggesting the sequestration of unused glycogen. These findings of glycogen accumulation are presumed to be indicative of an anaerobic condition in the junctional area of cementum and PDL of human teeth.