Localization of Integrin Beta-4 Subunit at Soft Tissue-Titanium or Zirconia Interface

Currently, along with titanium (Ti), zirconia is widely used as an abutment material for dental implants because it makes it possible to avoid gingival discoloration; however, the epithelial sealing capability of zirconia remains unknown. The purpose of the present study is to elucidate the localization of integrin beta 4 subunit (In beta 4), one of the main proteins in the attachment structure between gingival junctional epithelial (JE) cells and substrata. Maxillary first molars were extracted from rats, and implants were placed with Ti or zirconia transgingival parts; then, the localization of In beta 4 was observed. Morphological and functional changes in rat oral epithelial cells (OECs) cultured on a culture dish (Dish) and Ti and zirconia plates were also evaluated with In beta 4 immunofluorescence histochemistry and Western blotting. After four weeks of implant placement, the morphology of the peri-implant epithelium (PIE) and the localization of In beta 4 around the Ti and zirconia transgingival parts were similar. However, both exhibited markedly shorter In beta 4-positive bands in the PIE than in the JE around natural teeth. Decreased expression levels of In beta 4 were observed in OECs cultured on Ti and zirconia plates compared with those cultured on Dish. In conclusion, although inferior to natural teeth, zirconia implants are thought to have epithelial sealing properties comparable to those of titanium.