Scanning electron microscopic observation of microvasculature in periodontium

In this study, vascular resin cast models in the periodontium of beagle dogs were prepared and three-dimensional observation of the relationship between the gingiva and periodontal ligament (PDL) vascular network was performed. After the perfusion of Ringer's solution and fixative, synthetic resin was injected from the inferior alveolar arteries. Soft tissue was digested by proteinase solution and specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). The gingival vascular network (GVN) in the region facing the teeth consisted of sulcular and junctional epithelium. The vascular network of the sulcular epithelium (SE) had a renal glomerulus-like form and the junctional epithelium (JE) consisted of squamous mesh. The gingival sulcular fluid exudated from the vascular network directly beneath the JE, and leukocytes permeated from the vascular network beneath the epithelium. Thus, we considered that the GVN performs an important function in the protection against the inflammation. Periodontal ligament had a polygonal mesh vascular network that was anastomosed to the venous plexus of alveolar bone through Volkmann's canals (VC). When occlusal force was applied, the blood in the periodontal vessels flowed out through VC into the bone marrow, and when the force was removed, it flowed backward into the PDL. This blood transfer acted as an absorber against occlusal force. Our findings suggest that the blood vessels of the gingiva perform an important function in defending against inflammation, while the blood vessels of the PDL play a key role in absorbing occlusal force. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.