CULTURAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL-CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN PERIODONTAL-LIGAMENT CELLS IN-VITRO

Primary cell lines from explants of human periodontal ligament were es tablished in vitro to assess their suitability as test cells in a bioc ompatibility assay. They were maintained over nine passages. The const ituent fibroblast-like cells (F-cells) were monitored throughout by li ght and electron microscopy. Although F-cells from several different d onors displayed stable and consistent growth characteristics, after th e ninth subculture changes in the fine structure suggested that some c ells were undergoing differentiation or senescence. It is therefore re commended that cells from earlier passages be used in in vitro biocomp atibility assays.