title: [The study on the cushioning function of PDL's microvasculature by vascular cast technique in dogs].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the cushioning function of periodontal ligament (PDL)'s microvasculature by studying the microvascular architecture of PDL and its surrounding alveolar bone in dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Vascular cast technique was used on the mandibles from four adult hybrid dogs. Liquid synthetic resin was perfused through bilateral inferior alveolar arteries. Decalcification was performed with 10% hydrochloric acid. The soft tissues were dissolved in 20% potassium hydroxide solution. The specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope after being dried and coated with gold.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The venules derived from the PDL drained to the surrounding alveolar bone via Volkmann's canals. Venules draining to the interradicular septum (IRS) were more in quantity and larger in diameter than those to the buccal or lingual alveolar bone. Enlarged sinusoid venules in the IRS were observed. Marrow cavities were significantly larger in volume and much more in quantity in the IRS than in the buccal or lingual alveolar bone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The venules derived from the vasculature of PDL mainly drain to the venules of IRS. Like a reservoir, the sinusoid vessels in the IRS are presumably related to the cushioning function of the PDL during mastication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China. wulin13@163.com
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Xiao-Fang
authors.initials: XF
authors.lastname: Rong
authors.forename: Ming
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhong
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D008409:Mastication; D055806:Microvessels; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply*