Intracellular collagen fibrils in the periodontal ligament of the mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig and rabbit

Abstract

The periodontal ligaments of the mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig and rabbit were examined by electron microscopy. The study revealed the constant and frequent occurrence of intracytoplasmic collagen fibrils with the typical banding of native collagen. These fibrils appeared singly or in bundles within cells with cytological features of fibroblasts. Some fibrils were aggregated laterally into fibers measuring up to 0.2 μm. Most fibrils were surrounded by a limiting membrane. The fibrils are believed to represent ingested collagen in a connective tissue with a high turnover rate.