A POSSIBLE EXPLANATION FOR THE RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTI-TOOTH PERIODONTAL-LIGAMENT MECHANORECEPTORS IN THE CAT

During the course of a study on the morphology of periodontal ligament mechanoreceptors it was observed that a direct relation, without inte rvening bone, existed between the mandibular canine and first premolar tooth roots in the cat. An area, representing a window in the alveola r septal bone, extended 2-3 mm from the apex towards the tooth crown. Ruffini nerve terminals were observed amongst the collagen bundles in the ligament between the roots of the two teeth. Light and electron mi croscopy were used to identify the receptors. It is proposed that a pe riodontal ligament mechanoreceptor can respond to forces applied to ad jacent teeth; movement of both teeth need not occur. This may explain the observation made in the past that single periodontal ligament mech anoreceptors respond to forces applied to more than one tooth.