Primary Culture of Fibroblasts and Cementoblasts of the Equine Periodontium

Fibroblasts and cementoblasts in the periodontal ligament (PDL) of equine cheek teeth were harvested, and monocultures were obtained by means of a "selective detachment" procedure. Cells were characterized by morphological criteria and by immunostaining for vimentin, FVIII, pan-cytokeratin, smooth muscle actin, and pro-collagen. Cementogenic potential of the cells was determined by immunostaining for osteopontin and by histochemical detection of alkaline phosphatase. Equine periodontal fibroblasts (EPF) were spindle-shaped and polygonal. Equine dental cementoblasts (EDC) grew in cobblestone-like clusters. Both EPF and EDC stained positive for vimentin. Only EPF contained smooth muscle actin, pro-collagen, and alkaline phosphatase. Few EDC stained positive for osteopontin. The phenotypes of EPF and EDC and their specific expression of proteins corresponded to PDL fibroblasts and dental cementoblasts of other species. These results indicate the potential use of EPF and EDC in an adequate in vitro model of equine cementogenesis and equine periodontal remodeling.