New insights in the 3-D rheological properties and collagen fibers orientation in murine periodontal ligaments

Abstract

The rheological properties of the periodontal ligament are key parameters to understand the homeostatic stability of the tooth supporting apparatus. The objective of this study is to lay new insights on the rheological properties and structural information of different regions in murine periodontal ligament by using atomic force (AFM) and multi-photon microscopy (MPM). A significant variation in elasticity of different regions was measured. The elasticity of periodontal ligament showed a significant tendency to become softer towards the furcation, the nearest area to the center of resistance of the tooth. This can open a new prospective for connecting the rheological adaptation of periodontal ligament to the tooth geometry that defines the center of resistance. Another important finding revealed by the second harmonic generation (SHG) signal exhibited by collagen fibers and measured by MPM is that the orientation of fibers in the furcation region can both provide space for tooth vertical movement with high compressive loads and prevent horizontal tooth movement. Additionally, it was found that the dispersion of the angles at different levels of cutting indicates homogeneity in the directionality of fibers across different regions. These results provide an accurate description of the rheological properties and structural information of periodontal ligament, which can serve as a base for comparison with other local and systemic diseases that may influence the periodontal ligament.