Bykov V L
Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, I.P. Pavlov State Medical University, St. Petersburg.
Morfologiia. 2003;124(4):95-103.
This review presents an analysis of the current data on the structural and functional organization and biological significance of epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM), which are formed by persisting fragments of epithelial (Hertwig) sheath that participates in the tooth root development. ERM, found within the periodontal ligament, undergo intensive age-related involution and are traditionally described as small clusters of functionally inactive cells. Meanwhile, recent findings are indicative of high functional activity of ERM which are both producers of and targets for various cytokines, growth factors, adhesive substances, their receptors and other biologically active molecules. It is suggested that ERM participate in sustaining the optimal conditions for the normal functioning and regeneration of periodontium structural components. When periodontal tissue homeostasis is disturbed, ERM may grow up and acquire the capacity to destroy the surrounding tissues.
本综述分析了有关马拉瑟上皮剩余（ERM）的结构和功能组织以及生物学意义的当前数据，ERM由参与牙根发育的上皮（赫特维希）鞘的残留片段形成。ERM存在于牙周韧带中，会经历与年龄相关的强烈退化，传统上被描述为功能不活跃的小细胞簇。与此同时，最近的研究结果表明ERM具有很高的功能活性，它们既是各种细胞因子、生长因子、黏附物质、其受体和其他生物活性分子的产生者，也是这些分子的作用靶点。有人认为，ERM参与维持牙周组织结构成分正常功能和再生的最佳条件。当牙周组织的稳态受到干扰时，ERM可能会生长并获得破坏周围组织的能力。
