Ultrastructure of epithelial rests of Malassez in human periodontal ligament.

The cell rests in healthy periodontal ligament were studied by transmission electron microscopy. They consisted of clusters of cells surrounded by a basal lamina. These cells were characterized by an irregular nucleus with condensed heterochromatin, tonofilaments, relatively abundant mitochondria and poorly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum. They were connected to each other by desmosomes and gap junctions. Coated pits and vesicles were also seen at the periphery. In addition, a primary cilium accompanied by a centriole was often observed in association with the Golgi complex and rootlet-like structures. The findings suggest that the epithelial rests are more than a vestigial structure.