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Lymphatic networks in the periodontal tissue and dental pulp as revealed by histochemical study
Author(s) -
Matsumoto Yuushi,
Zhang Bi,
Kato Seiji
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.10006
Subject(s) - lymphatic system , periodontium , pulp (tooth) , cementum , pathology , lymphatic endothelium , staining , anatomy , lymph , dentin , dental alveolus , chemistry , dentistry , medicine
The structural organization and fine distribution of the lymphatic networks in the periodontal tissues (gingiva, periodontal membrane, and alveolar process) and dental pulp of animals and humans were reviewed with special reference to histochemical examination by light and electron microscopy. The distinction between lymphatics and blood vessels was made on cryostat sections of undecalcified and calcified teeth treated with EDTA solution and whole mount preparations of periodontal membranes using 5′‐nucleotidase (5′‐Nase)‐alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) double staining. This staining procedure allowed lymphatic vessels in the periodontal tissue and dental pulp to be differentiated from blood vessels. The specificity and localization of the enzyme reactions were confirmed by comparative histochemical studies of the same specimen with light microscopy and scanning or transmission electron microscopy. Well‐developed 5′‐Nase‐positive lymphatic networks were observed on the tissue sections and whole mount preparations of the gingiva, periodontium, and dental pulp. More lymphatic vessels were seen in the root area of the periodontium than in the cervical area. In the dental pulp, lymphatic vessels were more numerous in the central part than in the peripheral odontoblastic layer. These distributions of the lymphatic capillary networks are discussed in relation to their ability to supply lymph to the teeth. Microsc. Res. Tech. 56:50–59, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.