An investigation on different storage media in the preserva-tion of periodontal ligament cells vitality

An investigation on different storage media in the preserva-tion of periodontal ligament cells vitality Dr. A. Khademi* - Dr. S. Saeei** - Dr. S.A. Alavi*** - Dr. N. Mirkheshti*** - F. Ghesami **** * - Associate Professor of Endodontics Dept. – Faculty of Dentistry – Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. **- Endodontist. ***- Medical practitioner. ****- Student of medicine. Background and Aim: Immediate replantation of the avulsed teeth is the treatment of choice to achieve optimal periodontal healing. If the teeth can not be replanted immediately, the vital-ity of PDL cells on root surfaces must be preserved through a suitable storage media. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different storage media including water, Hanks Bal-anced Salt Solution (HBSS), milk and egg albumen on the vitality of periodontal ligament cells. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 105 human premolar teeth extracted atraumatically for orthodontic reasons were collected. After extraction, root surfaces became blood free using HBSS. Thereafter teeth were placed in individual tubes containing 10 ml HBSS solution and transferred in ice flasks to laboratory during 30 minutes. Storage media, in this study, consisted of water, milk, egg albumen and HBSS. Evaluation periods were at 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h and 12 h and afterwards teeth were again washed with HBSS. After isolating PDL cells from root surfaces first by trypsin and then collagenase, viability of PDL cells was evalu-ated by trypan blue staining. Fibroblast count and the ratio of viable cells to the whole ones were calculated. Data were subjected to ANOVA test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between egg albumen and HBSS (p>0.05). Also there was no significant difference between water and milk (p>0.05). However, egg albumen and HBSS were significantly better, in the preservation of cells viability, than water and milks. Conclusion: Egg albumen can be suggested as an appropriate storage media for the preserva-tion of PDL cells viability of avulsed teeth. Availability is one of its important advantages. Key words: Periodontal ligament – Cell culture – Avulsed teeth – Storage media