SINUSOIDAL VESSELS IN THE PERIODONTAL-LIGAMENT OF HAMSTER INCISORS - THEIR DISTRIBUTION, STRUCTURE AND POSSIBLE FUNCTION

Vascular architecture in the periodontal ligament of hamster incisors was investigated by use of vascular casts under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition to ordinary nutrient blood vessels, anastomosing vessels of large caliber developed, surrounding the incisor. From their characteristic configuration, these vessels were regarded as ''sinusoids''. The plexus of sinusoidal vessels was connected with capillaries in the papillary layer of the enamel organ at the labial periodontal ligament, and with veins penetrating into the alveolar bone on the lingual side. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation showed that the sinusoidal wall was composed of only a thin layer of endothelial cells, lacking a smooth muscular element, and surrounded by densely arranged collagen fibers. Although the frequent association of Ruffini-type nerve endings with siunsoidal vessels was noted, neither direct contact nor specialized structures between these was recognizable. A possible function of the periodontal sinusoids is discussed on the basis of their distribution and ultrastructural evidence.