[Effect of enamel matrix protein on periodontal cells in an in vitro wound healing model]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of enamel matrix protein (EMP) on wound filling of periodontal ligament cells (PDLC) and gingival fibroblasts (GF), using an in vitro model of wound healing.

In vitro wound models were mechanically created in subconfluent cultures of human GF and PDLC, by removing a 7mm wide band of the cell layer respectively. Wounded cultures were then incubated for a time periods up to 2,6,9 days in a media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), stimulated with EMP (100microg/ml) simultaneously, negative controls were those cultured only with media containing 10% FBS. Slides were fixed, stained with crystal violet and cell filling area within the wound boundaries was quantified by computer assisted histomorphometry. Statistical analysis was performed by SAS6.12 software package to determine the differences between the time points and groups.

in the control group, there was difference between GF and PDLC in filling wound in vitro over 9 days of healing period. The difference was significant (P<0.05) at the 9th day after wound creating, with GF filling the wound faster than PDLC. In contrast, under the stimulation of EMP (100microg/ml), there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the filling rate of two types of periodontal cells at the 6th, 9th day after wound creating.

GF has a significantly greater ability to fill a wound than PDLC. However, EMP appears to exert an influence on cells that is compatible with improved wound healing, especially in that of PDLC.