ULTRASTRUCTURAL-CHANGES IN CULTURED HUMAN PERIODONTAL-LIGAMENT CELLS EXPOSED TO DENTAL MATERIALS

The cytopathic effects of a range of dental restorative cements were e xamined by electron microscopy using an in vitro model with cultured t est cells derived from human periodontal ligament. Monolayers were fix ed and processed in situ after 2, 24, and 48 h exposure. Many cells sh owed lysis after two hours exposure consistent with immediate acute in jury. Cultures subsequently recovered, reflecting different susceptibi lities of cells to injury, and at later stages showed distinct pattern s of cell damage in response to different restorative materials. These were related primarily to either cytoplasmic or nuclear damage and to changes resembling apoptosis. (C) 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.