The response characteristics of mechanoreceptors related to their position in the cat canine periodontal ligament.
The relation between threshold, adaptation properties and position of these receptors was studied in anaesthetized cats. Electrophysiological recordings were made from functionally single fibres teased from the inferior alveolar nerve as forces were applied to the tip of the left mandibular canine tooth. Receptors were located within the periodontal ligament by paring away the overlying bone. Threshold and adaptation properties were related to the receptor position relative to the fulcrum and apex of the tooth. These results support the hypothesis that there is only one type of periodontal-ligament mechanoreceptor, and that their response characteristics depend on position.
Linden
R W
RW
Department of Physiology, King's College London, England, U.K.
Millar
B J
BJ
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D003481:Cuspid; D004594:Electrophysiology; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D013314:Stress, Mechanical