Nerve distribution on the capillary network of molar gingiva in golden hamster by the silver impregnation method.

Abstract

The nerve distribution on the capillary network of mandibular buccal molar gingiva in golden hamsters was studied by the silver impregnation method. By employing silver impregnation on India ink injected whole mount gingival specimens directly, we could observe the distribution of nerve fibres on the capillary network three-dimensionally. In addition, by this method, troublesome graphic reconstruction sections could also be prevented. Silver impregnated nerve fibres appeared at the periosteum of the alveolar bone and formed bundles. The full running course of the bundles of nerve fibres accompanied by blood vessels, ran longitudinally along the outer surface of the alveolar bone. When entering free gingiva, the course of the nerve fibres was random. Nerve fibres branched into many smaller branches, ran in the direction of the connective tissue papillae and formed mesh-like nerve plexuses underlying the mucosa epithelium of the gingiva. Single nerve fibres emanating from these plexuses, ran toward capillary loops and were distributed not only at the base portion of the arterial limb and the venous limb but also extended to the middle portion of the former and the latter. Single nerve fibres extended to the tip of the capillary loops, however, the so-called true capillaries, were not found.In conclusion, it is suggested that these nerve fibres may be involved in the endothelial cells of capillaries. Through transmission of efferent signals, nerve fibres perhaps play an important role in regulating the blood flow of the capillary network in the mandibular buccal gingiva.