Immunohistochemical analysis of tissues regenerated from within periodontal defects treated with expanded...

Immunocytochemical analysis was carried out on samples of 5-, 6-, and 9-week old regenerated soft tissue taken from healing periodontal defects treated by guided tissue regeneration using expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) membranes. A panel of monoclonal and polyconal antibodies to cytokeratins, vimentin, and collagen was used to label cells and collagen types I, III, and IV. Epithelium was identified in 7 of the 9 samples examined, in addition to mesenchymal cells staining positively for vimentin and co-distribution of collagen types I, III, and IV in all samples. Clinical observations indicated that exposure of the ePTFE membranes during healing was a frequent occurrence, and the presence and quantity of epithelium found within the healing defect beneath the membrane may be related to the extent to which this occurs.