The distribution of 3H-proline in alveolar bone of the mouse as seen by radioautography.

Previous studies of the turnover of alveolar bone collagenous proteins have devoted little attention to the variable patterns in this process caused by bone remodeling. The present study seeks to document changes resulting from physiologic tooth movements in the incorporation and removal of the 3H-proline label within the interdental septum of alveolar bone. One week following 3H-proline injection, three zones could be distinguished: the appositional band, new bone, and old bone. Radioautography demonstrated that formation of new bone on the distal wall of the septum entrapped fibers of the periodontal ligament to create Sharpey's fibers. At the alveolar crest, new bone entrapped transseptal fibers to form transalveolar Sharpey's fibers. Grain counts were made within each area and over the total septum and were compared statistically. The data strongly suggested regional variations in protein remodeling. Counts from old and new bone were significantly different from the total septum or the appositional band (P less than .001). Regression lines were drawn to represent incorporation and removal of the isotope; slopes were calculated and compared statistically. The rate of incorporation and removal was significantly greater in the appositional band and in the total septum in comparison to old bone (P less than .001). The rates of incorporation and removal in the appositional band, old bone, and total septum were significantly different (P less than .001). Half-life of the labeled protein of old bone was 16.78 weeks; in the appositional band, 7.66 weeks; and in the total septum, 7.64 weeks. These data suggest that regional variations in collagen remodeling must be considered in a study of interdental bone and that the total septal grain counts are not indicative of the remodeling in the component zones.