Ultrastructural changes in tension zones of rat molar periodontium incident to orthodontic tooth movement.

The purpose of this study was, by introducing transmission electron microscopy, to clarify fine details of tissue reactions in the periodontal ligament on the tension side. A preliminary investigation was undertaken on nine rats in which experimental tooth movement lasted 2 days, 14 days, and 28 days. It was hoped that these new observations might help in the planning and directing of further studies. A marked increase of interstitial spaces between the formed ligament structures of the periodontal ligament was characteristic of the initial phases of tension. The cells and the endoplasmic reticulum within the cells were spindle shaped and oriented in the direction of strain. Occasionally, collagen fibrils were observed within the cytoplasm of fibroblasts. During experimental tension a higher prevalence of elastic fibers was observed and new details of the reaction of collagen fibrils were obtained. The new cementum and bone deposited during the experiment were studied. The preliminary study indicated that electron microscopy may become a valuable tool for the study of the tension side.