[Detection of types I, III and IV collagen in human cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone].

The aim of the present study was to investigate distribution and composition of collagen Types I, III and IV in human cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with immunohistochemical localization and image analysis technique. The results showed that collagen Type I was 78.06% in periodontal ligament, 73.09% in cementum and 30.50% in alveolar bone; Type III was 11.73% in periodontal ligament and was also observed in apical cementum and bone tissue of alveolar socket; Type IV was restricted to the basement membrane of the blood vessles; Sharpey's fibers was stained by Type I and its periphery was demonstrated stronger staining by Type I and Type III as a sheath. These results provided necessary informations on healthy periodontal tissues that will be required for future studies on the effects of pathological and regenerative processes.