[Cytological characteristics of the human periodontal fibroblasts]

This review examines current concepts of functional morphology and molecular biology of periodontal fibroblasts. These cells appear to be the major cellular elements of human periodontium that realize its functions. Recent evidence on fibroblast structure, regeneration, synthetic and secretory activity, adhesion to various matrix components, migration, response to hormones, cytokines, growth factors and microbial products as well as on their interaction with other cellular elements of periodontium, is reviewed. On the basis of the newest findings on cellular and molecular biology, the concept of the central role of fibroblasts in the local network of cytokine regulation that controls the integrated function of periodontal cells, is formulated.