Epithelial adherence to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material

The aim of this study was to examine adherence/attachment of gingival cellular elements to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material with special reference to epithelial cells. Six Gore-Tex membranes used for guided tissue regeneration in patients with severe periodontal disease were studied by transmission electron microscopy. Upon retrieval, after 30 days of healing, the membranes were immediately immersed in formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde, divided in segments (2 x 4 mm) and embedded in Epon. The majority of segments were devoid of any adhering tissue other than erythrocytes and polymorphonuclear cells. Epithelial cell adherence was mediated by a 2-microns-thick acellular layer containing membraneous profiles with diameter 370 nm or less. Adhering epithelial cells exhibited characteristics of cellular degeneration as evidenced by tonofilamentous and cytoplasmic condensation, vacuolization and loss of structural details. An uneven basement lamina with hemidesmosomal contacts was present at the epithelium-connective tissue interface. It is concluded that epithelial cells adhere to PTFE material without formation of attachment complexes.