OBJECTIVETo examine the expression of periodontal ligament-associated protein-1 (PLAP-1) in the periodontal tissues and periodontal ligament cells (PDLC).

METHODSThe PLAP-1 expression in normal periodontal tissue was examined by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression and mRNA transcription of PLAP-1 in PDLC were investigated by immunocytochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSPLAP-1 was expressed in periodontium but not in cementum, alveolar bone and gingival tissues. PLAP-1 expression was observed in cell plasma, but not in nuclei. There was a 350 bp electrophoresis band representing PLAP-1 mRNA.

CONCLUSIONSPLAP-1 may play a role in physiology of periodontal tissues and cells in normal adult rats.

Animals ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Periodontal Ligament ; cytology ; metabolism ; Periodontium ; metabolism ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction