title: A device for the application of known simulated orthodontic forces to human cells in vitro.
abstract: Connective tissues are responsive to mechanical forces. In orthodontic tooth movement it appears that the periodontal ligament (PDL) is the source of a pleuropotential cell population and extracellular matrix structure which translates mechanical perturbation information into a host of cellular events. These include proliferation, repair, differentiation, and shape change. We have designed, built, and tested a simple, adaptable machine which enables us to examine molecular changes or events in the cell nucleus, cell membrane, and the cytoskeleton of any eukasytic cell that will adhere to a membrane. These responses to clinically simulated forces applied to an in vitro system can be measured.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Royal Dental College of Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Norton
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D046508:Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000502:physiology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical