The objective of this study was to compare fibroblasts from the periodontal ligament (PLF) and gingival fibroblasts (GF) as to morphology, proliferation rate and protein synthesis. PLF and GF were explanted from tissues of the same patient. To characterize and compare the morphology of cells, PLF and GF were plated and analyzed under phase-contrast and optical microscopies. Proliferation rates were determined by means of automated counts carried out in days 1, 4, 7, 15 and 21, and also by means of the bromodeoxyuridine labelling index (BrdU). Total protein content was analyzed by means of electrophoresis in 10% polyacrylamide gel and zimography containing gelatin as substrate. PLF were bigger and more elongated than GF in subconfluence and confluence conditions. The proliferative rate of PLF was higher than that of GF at 1, 4, and 7 days (p < 0.05). At 15 and 21 days, there was no statistically significant difference as to the number of cells. PLF presented a significantly greater proliferative potential, in relation to GF (p < 0.05). The synthesis of protein in a period of 24 hours was similar for both PLF and GF. Our results demonstrated that PLF and GF are different as to morphology and proliferative capacity, however, they do not differ as to protein synthesis.
Fibroblasts; Gingival pocket; Periodontal ligament
