Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to histopathologically and immunohistochemically investigate the distribution of proteoglycans in human periodontal ligament (PDL). Specimens from osteotomy and tooth extraction having healthy PDL were studied. Histologically, PDL consisted of fibrous tissues, involving a compact arrangement area and edematous or myxoid area. Immuno-histochemically, versican binding region (12C5), versican link protein (8A4) and biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding protein (B-HABP) were distributed in PDL. In addition, positive immunore-activity for 12C5 and 8A4 was stronger in the compact arrangement area than in the edematous or myxoid area. Reactivity for B-HABP was stronger in the edematous or myxoid area than in the compact fibrous area. These results suggest that versican and link protein are associated with fibrous tissues, whereas hyaluronic acid is related to the formation of edematous and/or myxoid tissue in human PDL. These substances may play a role in periodontal homeostasis by protecting against mechanical stress.
Highlights
In human extracellular matrices, collagen resists tensile force, whereas proteoglycans (PGs) play a role in securing space for tissue [1]-[4]
periodontal ligament (PDL) mainly consisted of fibroblasts and fibrous tissue with a relatively compact and regular arrangement area of collagenous fibers and edematous or myxoid area (EM) involving collagenous fibers or capillary vessels in both osteotomy and tooth extraction specimens (Figure 1)
PDL in the present study showed an alternate arrangement of two compartments (CF and EM), with capillary vessels in accordance with descriptions by other researchers [4]
Summary
Collagen resists tensile force, whereas proteoglycans (PGs) play a role in securing space for tissue [1]-[4]. Versican, which is a non-cartilaginous, large modular PG, binds to hyaluronic acid through hyaluronan-binding protein to form aggregates [1] [2], and these aggregates are stabilized by binding link protein. The role of PGs is not fully understood, and it remains necessary to observe the distribution of PGs in human periodontal ligament (PDL) in order to substantiate the evidence and analysis of experimental studies. Hyaluronic acid is a polyanionic polymer composed of repeated diasaccharide units (N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid), and plays various biological and mechanical roles such as resisting compression, filling a large space for embryonic development, and creating a cell-free space into which cells eventually migrate [6]
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