OBJECTIVETo explore the multi-differentiated capability of human periodontal ligament cell population (hPDLP), and provide a theoretical basis for the periodontal regeneration by tissue engineering technique.

METHODShPDLP was cultured from periodontium of human tooth by the outgrowth method. STRO-1 and CD 146 expression were investigated by flow cytometry. hPDLP was induced to odontogenic/osteogenic-like and adipogenic-like cell. The multilineage differentiation capacities of hPDLP were evaluated by alizarin red stain, oil red O stain, anti-CD146 and STRO-1 immunocytochemistry, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTShPDLP was isolated from human periodontium and most of the cells retained their fibroblastic spindle shape. hPDLP can be induced into osteoblast-like cells and adipocyte-like cells, and calcium deposition and lipid droplets were detected perspectively. And the eighth generation of hPDLP had weaker potential into adipocyte-like cells than the first passage, however, there was no difference to the aspect of calcification ability between the two passages.

CONCLUSIONhPDLP cultured in vitro can differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts, and the first to third passage cells may have the predominance of differentiation potential.