A quantitative study of the ultrastructure of fibroblasts within the enamel-related connective tissue of the rat incisor.

Abstract

A quantitative ultrastructural study was made of the fibroblasts of the enamel-related connective tissue and periodontal ligament of the rat incisor. The two populations of fibroblasts were very similar in morphology, the only difference found in the parameters measured being the increased number of microtubules in the enamel-related connective tissue. The data do not lend support to the idea that the fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament generate the eruptive force by their motility or contractility.