Autologous periodontal ligament cells in the treatment of class III furcation defects: a study in dogs

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate, histomorphometrically, the use of periodontal ligament cells (PDL cells) in the treatment of class III furcation defects. Material and Methods: PDL cells were obtained from the mandibular tooth extracted from each dog (7), cultured in vitro and phenotypically characterized. Bilateral class III furcation defects were created at mandibular 3rd and 4th premolars and were randomly assigned to: Control Group: coronally positioned flap, GTR Group: GTR, Sponge Group: carrier + GTR, Cell Group: carrier + PDL cells + GTR. Results: After 3 months of healing, data analysis demonstrated that the Cell Group presented a superior length of new cementum (4.82 +/- 0.61 mm; 3.66 +/- 0.95 mm; 2.87 +/- 0.74 mm and 1.70 +/- 0.60 mm, p < 0.001), a greater extension of periodontal regeneration (3.43 +/- 1.44 mm; 2.33 +/- 0.95 mm; 1.52 +/- 0.39 mm and 0.69 +/- 0.59 mm, p = 0.001) and a larger area of new bone (5.45 +/- 1.58 mm 2; 3.94 +/- 1.52 mm 2; 2.91 +/- 0.56 mm 2 and 1.89 +/- 0.95 mm 2, p = 0.0012), when compared with Sponge, GTR and Control Group, respectively. Conclusion: The PDL cells in association with GTR may significantly promote periodontal regeneration in class III furcation defects surgically created in dogs.