Properties of periodontal mechanoreceptors supplying the cat's lower canine at short and long periods after reinnervation.

1. The properties of periodontal mechanoreceptors innervating the lower canine teeth of cats have been determined 6 weeks and 1 year after sectioning the inferior alveolar nerve. Recordings were made from single fibres dissected from the nerve central to the injury site, whilst forces were applied at right angles to the long axis of the tooth. 2. The range of directions over which each mechanosensitive unit responded (are of sensitivity) was established. Forces were then applied in the direction of maximum sensitivity and the maximum discharge frequency, dynamic index, adaptation rate, and the force threshold at three rates of force application (0.25, 2 and 20 N s-1) were determined. 3. Data from 115 units characterized 6 weeks after nerve section revealed a significantly reduced mean dynamic index and raised mean force threshold to forces applied at 2 and 0.25 N s-1, when compared with the controls. These units were, however, more sensitive than those examined 12 weeks after nerve section in a previous study (Loescher & Robinson, 1989b). 4. Data from 158 units characterized 1 year after nerve section revealed a significantly narrower mean are of sensitivity, reduced mean maximum discharge frequency, lower mean dynamic index and raised mean threshold to forces applied at 0.25 N s-1, when compared with the controls. 5. Bone overlying the roots of the reinnervated teeth was removed in order to localize receptors in the underlying periodontal ligament. Forty-six units were localized 6 weeks after nerve section and thirty-eight 1 year after nerve section. The mean conduction velocity of these units was significantly reduced both 6 weeks and 1 year after nerve section compared to the controls. One unit was found which branched to innervate receptors at two locations within the ligament, and one unit was found which branched to innervate a receptor in the ligament and another in the overlying skin. 6. The higher level of sensitivity of receptors when first reinnervated than at later stages is attributed to their immaturity. This immaturity may also contribute to the paraesthesia which is experienced by patients at a corresponding stage in recovery from nerve injury. The persistent reduction in sensitivity of units 1 year after nerve injury suggests that changes occur which have a permanent effect on their properties.