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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
Cellular network across cementum and periodontal ligament elucidated by FIB/SEM tomography
Shingo Hirashima1,2, Keisuke Ohta1,3, Tomonoshin Kanazawa1
1Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.
Abstract:
Cementocytes in cementum form a lacuna-canalicular network. However, the 3D ultrastructure and range of the cementocyte network are unclear. Here, the 3D ultrastructure of the cementocyte network at the interface between cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL) was investigated on the mesoscale using FIB/SEM tomography. The results revealed a cellular network of cementocytes and PDL cells. A previous histomorphological study revealed the osteocyte-osteoblast-PDL cellular network. We extended this knowledge and revealed the cementum-PDL-bone cellular network, which may orchestrate the remodeling and modification of periodontal tissue, using a suitable method for imaging of complex tissue.

