In-vitro cultural parameters and protein and prostaglandin secretion of epithelial cells derived from porcine rests of Malassez.

Cultured epithelial cells (E-cells) derived from the rests of Malassez exhibited a diploid karyotype with a modal number of 38 chromosomes, which is the number reported for the pig. Unlike the cell rests in vivo, which appear to be quiescent, E-cells in culture secreted several proteins. The doubling time of E-cells was 36 h. 80 per cent remained sufficiently viable to attach to the culture dish after extensive trypsinization. Their size distribution was unchanged over 9 subcultures. The E-cells secreted prostaglandins of the E and F series into the culture medium. As prostaglandins have been implicated in bone resorption associated with dental cysts, prostaglandin production by epithelial cells derived from the rests of Malassez may contribute to the mechanism of cyst growth.