LOCALIZATION OF GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN PERIODONTAL-LIGAMENT DURING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL TOOTH MOVEMENT

Localization of chondroitin sulphates in periodontal ligaments (PDL) o f rat molar roots during physiological and experimental tooth movement were analysed immunohistochemically with the use of monoclonal antibo dies, 3B3 and 2B6, specific to chondroitin 6-sulphate (CH-6S) and chon droitin 4-sulphate/dermatan sulphate(CH-4S/DS), respectively. The maxi llary first molars of experimental animals were forced to move lateral ly with a 10 g weight by U-shaped wires for 3 and 7 d. In control anim als, 3B3 epitope was seen in the PDL near to the bone surface facing t he distal half of roots, which corresponded to the compressive side du ring physiological tooth movement. Immunoreactivity for 2B6 was weak o r negative in the PDL. Both epitopes were present at osteoid, precemen tum, lacunae and canaliculli of osteocytes and cementocytes. In 3-d-tr eated animals, the early stage of hyalinization characterized with vis ible cells and fibres was observed in the PDL at the buccal side of th e mesial root, which showed intense immunoreactivity for 3B3. Further 3B3 positive area seen in control animals changed its position from th e distal to the buccal side of the PDL. Immunoreactivity for 2B6 did n ot change in the PDL of 3-d-treated animals. In 7-d-treated animals, t he typical hyalinization characterized with no visible cells and fibre s was seen in the PDL at the buccal sides of both mesial and disto-buc cal roots, where both epitopes were present at the peripheral part of the tissue. Observation of serial sections suggested that the 3B3-posi tive area was present at the peripheral part of the 2B6-positive area. The present results suggest that the expression of CH-6S is related t o the compressive force in non-hyalinized and hyalinized PDL, whereas that of CH-4S/DS is not influenced by the mechanical stress.