Alteration of bFGF expression with growth and age in rat molar periodontal ligament.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that immunohistochemical changes in expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in the periodontal ligament do not change with age.


METHODS
Thirty male Wistar-ST rats were divided into growing groups (5, 9, and 15 weeks of age) and aging groups (6, 12, and 18 months of age). Serial sagittal sections (5 microm thick) were cut parallel at the distobuccal roots of the maxillary first molar. Paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and rabbit polyclonal antibodies to basic fibroblast growth factor.


RESULTS
The number and the area of basic fibroblast growth factor-immunoreactive cells in the periodontal ligament of the maxillary first molar decreased with age. The number of basic fibroblast growth factor-immunoreactive cells was much greater in the root furcation area, which experiences the greatest effect of occlusal force. Regardless of age, the production of basic fibroblast growth factor in the periodontal ligament may occur subject to functional demand.


CONCLUSIONS
The hypothesis is rejected. The expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in the periodontal ligament decreased with age.
Sako
Emi
E
Orofacial Development and Function.Orthodontic Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan. emi-s.orts@tmd.ac.jp
Hosomichi
Jun
J
D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies; D004396:Coloring Agents; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000032:analysis*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D019227:Tooth Apex / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D000906:Antibodies; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2