Culture of gingival fibroblasts on bioabsorbable regenerative materials in vitro

Aim of the study

This study aimed to confirm whether gingival fibroblasts are affected by the composition of resorbable membranes used in mucogingival surgery.

Materials and methods

Two types of resorbable membrane were used to test their effect on cultured gingival fibroblasts obtained from the attached gingivae of Wistar rats. One type of membrane was a polymer of lactic acid and the other of glycolic acid. The fibroblasts were subjected to a battery of tests, then placed in wells containing the membranes to be tested, incubated for 72 hours and then re-tested (cell count, trypan blue dye exclusion test), acid phosphatase activity, DNA synthesis, phase contrast and electron microscopy).

Results

On microscopic examination, the fibroblasts from the control wells showed normal morphological appearances, complete with their cellular prolongations. Those from the test wells showed altered appearances, ie rounded cells without prolongations.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the tissue guides used in mucogingival surgery can affect fibroblast morphology and hence the healing of gingival tissues.

Commentary

These results must be interpreted with caution because there are many factors, such as interactions between different types of cells, which could occur in vivo.