Immunohistochemical studies of the periodontal membrane in primary teeth

To describe the periodontal membrane of human primary teeth immunohistochemically, while focusing on the epithelial layer of Malassez, fibers, and peripheral nerves, and to compare the findings with those of a previous study of human permanent teeth.

Nineteen human primary teeth extracted in late childhood in connection with treatment were fixed, decalcified, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin. Paraffin sections were stained with wide spectrum screening (WSS), Vimentin, and NeuN in order to mark the epithelial layer of Malassez, fibers, and peripheral nerves.

For root surfaces without resorption, the epithelial rests of Malassez appeared as small scattered islands. The fibers varied from tightly packed close to the root surface to a messy and loose organization. Innervation could be seen in close proximity to the root surface. The epithelial cells of Malassez were not usually seen along root surfaces with resorption. The fibers were sparse or not present. Innervation was seen in close proximity to the root. In regions with repair of resorption lacunae, the immunohistochemical reactions for epithelial cells of Malassez, fibers, and innervation pattern could be identical to those in regions with no resorption.

In regions without resorption, spatial organization of the periodontal membrane of primary teeth was similar to that of permanent teeth, although the number and distribution of epithelial cells and fibers differed. In regions with repair of root resorption, the epithelial cells of Malassez, fibers, and innervation appeared as root surfaces without resorption.