Cultural and morphological characteristics of human periodontal ligament cells in vitro.

ABSTRACT

Primary cell lines from explants of human periodontal ligament were established in vitro to assess their suitability as test cells in a biocompatibility assay. They were maintained over nine passages. The constituent fibroblast-like cells (F-cells) were monitored throughout by light and electron microscopy. Although F-cells from several different donors displayed stable and consistent growth characteristics, after the ninth subculture changes in the fine structure suggested that some cells were undergoing differentiation or senescence. It is therefore recommended that cells from earlier passages be used in in vitro biocompatibility assays.