Early Cellular Reactions in Mechanically Stimulated Gingival Connective Tissue

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe early cellular reactions occuring in mechnically stimulated gingival connective tissue. Material and Method: Elastic bands were inserted between the maxillary first and second molars of male rats aged 8 weeks, which were pulse-labeled with 3H-thymidine and subsequently killed in groups together with labeled control animals after periods of 1–168 hours. Autoradiographs were prepared from plastic mesiodistal sections and parameters of cell proliferation determined in gingival connective tissue sampling areas coronal to the interdental bone crest and in the central zone of the body of the papilla between the second and third molars. The incidence of m…