Abstract
Biomechanical properties and morphological features of the rat molar periodontal ligament were examined after treatment with various concentrations of bacterial collagenase. Treatment with collagenase caused dose-dependent decreases in the maximum shear stress, maximum shear strain, tangent modulus, and failure strain energy density of the periodontal ligament. Light microscopic analysis after mechanical testing revealed that in controls, the periodontal ligament ruptured in the middle region or near the bone surface, while in the collagenase-treated specimens, it ruptured at the region adjacent to the cementum surface. Scanning electron microscopy revealed considerable degradation of the periodontal collagen fibres and fibrils by the enzyme. Treatment with collagenase markedly reduced the phase retardation values of collagens and the areas occupied by birefringent collagen fibres within the ligament. We suggest that collagenase treatment causes a decrease in the amount and density of collagen fibres and a disorganization of the fibres that reduces the strength, extensibility, stiffness, and toughness of the ligament. Our findings indicate that the periodontal collagens are load-bearing, key structural components providing structural and functional integrity to the ligament.
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