Effects of a fibrin-fibronectin sealing system on proliferation and type I collagen synthesis of human PDL fibroblasts in vitro.

Fibrin glue (FG) is an agent widely used in many surgical disciplines for achieving hemostasis and tissue adhesion. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of a highly concentrated FG (Tissucol) on the growth and phenotypic expression of human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. PDL fibroblast strains were established from cells scraped from PDL, and cultured in the presence and absence of FG for 48 and 72 h. Cell proliferation was studied by counting cells and mitoses, and by immunocytochemical detection of the proliferation-associated Ki-67 nuclear antigen. Type-I collagen production was assessed by radioimmunological assay of the procollagen C-terminal peptide. Results showed that FG treatment was compatible with PDL fibroblast growth and type-I collagen synthesis, although a reduced trend in cell proliferation and collagen production was found in FG-supplemented cultures compared to control cultures. We conclude that FG may represent a suitable substrate for supporting PDL fibroblast growth and function.