Assessment of post-traumatic PDL cells viability by a novel collagenase assay

Abstract – Both length of extra-alveolar time and type of storage media are significant factors that can affect the long-term prognosis for replanted teeth. Numerous studies have examined various media in an attempt to determine the ideal material for storage of the avulsed tooth. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of viable periodontium ligament (PDL) cells in different storage media using a collagenase assay. Thirty-three freshly extracted human teeth were divided into four experimental and two control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 min and an 8-h dry time, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed in one of four media (Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), milk, saline, water) for 45 min. The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 min. The number of viable and nonviable PDL cells was counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. An anova demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the viability of PDL cells among saline, HBSS and milk. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that milk or saline is an equally viable alternative to HBSS for storage of avulsed teeth.     

A quantitative analysis of Propolis: a promising new storage media following avulsion

Abstract –  Both length of extra-alveolar time and type of storage media are significant factors that can affect the long-term prognosis of replanted teeth. Numerous studies have examined various media in an attempt to determine the ideal material for storage of the avulsed tooth. The purpose of this study was to use a Collagenase–Dispase assay to investigate the potential of a new storage media, Propolis, in maintaining viable periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on simulated avulsed teeth. Seventy freshly extracted human teeth were divided into five experimental groups and two control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0-min and an 8-h dry time, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 min and then immersed in one of the five media (Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), milk, saline, Propolis 50%, and Propolis 100% for 45 min). The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 min. The number of viable PDL cells were counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. Statistical analysis demonstrated that both Propolis groups kept significantly more PDL cells viable compared to either milk, saline, or HBSS. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that Propolis may be a better alternative to HBSS, milk, or saline in terms of maintaining PDL cell viability after avulsion and storage.     

A Quantitative Analysis of a Probiotic Storage Media for Avulsed Teeth

Aim

The aim of the present in vitro study was to investigate the potential of a storage medium, probiotic yogurt (Bifidibacterium animalis DN 173010) in comparison with Hank''s balanced salt solution (HBSS), saline and milk in maintaining viable periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on simulated avulsed teeth.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth with closed apices were divided into six experimental groups (N=6). The teeth were extracted as atraumatically as possible and washed in sterile saline solution to eliminate residual blood. Following extractions, the coronal 3 mm of PDL tissues were scraped with a #15 scalpel to remove cells that may have been damaged. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0 minutes and an 8-hour dry time, respectively. After extraction, the positive control teeth were immediately treated with dispase and collagenase. The negative control teeth were bench-dried for 8 h, with no follow-up storage solution time, and then placed in the dispase and collagenase. The number of viable protective least significant difference PDL cells were counted under a light microscope with a hemocytometer at 20× magnification and analyzed. Statistical analysis of the data was accomplished using Nonparametric ANOVA complemented by Kruskal-Wallis Test and Dunn''s Multiple Comparisons Test.

Results

Positive control was found to be significantly better than the others, there were statistically significant differences between positive control and other test groups (p=0.000). The teeth stored in positive control demonstrated the highest number of viable PDL cells followed in order by probiotic yogurt, HBSS, saline and milk.

Conclusion

Bifidibacterium animalis DN 173010 seems to be an alternative for the temporary storage of avulsed teeth, due to high number of viable PDL cells. Probiotics may be suitable transport media for avulsed teeth, but further research is warranted using the commercially available products.Key words: dental trauma, probiotic, storage media     

不同离体时间和保存液对犬离体牙牙周膜细胞活力影响的实验研究

目的:探讨完全脱位牙不同离体时间和保存液对牙周膜细胞活力的影响。方法:麻醉拔除犬牙35个,首先将20个牙随机分为5组,分别为室温干燥放置0、30、60、120、240 min组,另15个牙室温干燥放置30 min后,随机分为3组,分别放入牛奶、HBSS液,100 g/L蜂胶液中浸泡2 h。各组处理完成后,采用全牙消化法获得牙周膜细胞,并通过4 g/L台盼蓝染色法检测各组牙周膜活细胞数和存活率。结果:室温干燥放置30、60、120、240 min后,牙周膜细胞存活率依次为33.6%、23.6%、18.5%、0.8%,而0 min的牙周膜细胞存活率可达95.5%。拔后30 min,经牛奶、HBSS液和100 g/L蜂胶液中保存2 h后,牙周膜细胞均有活力,其细胞存活率大小依次为100 g/L蜂胶液、HBSS液和牛奶,其中100 g/L蜂胶液与HBSS液相比无统计学差异(P>0.05),但与牛奶组相比,均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:随着离体时间延长,完全脱位牙根面牙周膜细胞活力明显下降。100 g/L蜂胶液和HBSS液保存犬牙牙周膜细胞活力优于牛奶液。     

Pedialyte Promotes Periodontal Ligament Cell Survival and Motility

IntroductionThe search still continues to find the best storage media for avulsed teeth. Unfortunately, some of the recommended storage solutions are not commonly found in households or do not preserve the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells long-term. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether Pedialyte is a viable alternative storage solution for avulsed teeth by assessing its ability to preserve human PDL cell viability.MethodsHuman PDL cells were exposed to 6 different storage solutions (minimal essential medium [MEMα], Hank's balanced salt solution [HBSS], non-fat milk, coconut water, Pedialyte, or tap water) for 2, 6, 24, or 48 hours at 4°C or 25°C. Cell viability was quantified immediately or 1 week after exposure. The effects of these storage solutions on PDL cell motility and bacterial proliferation were also examined. The results were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance.ResultsPedialyte at 4°C and 25°C showed significantly (P < .001) higher cell survival compared with water after all time intervals. No significant difference was noted between control (MEMα), HBSS, coconut water, and Pedialyte at 4°C after 2 hours. Cells stored in Pedialyte for 24 hours at 25°C and assayed 1 week later showed significantly higher cell survivability compared with milk. Pedialyte supported significantly less bacterial growth compared with non-fat milk and coconut water. No difference in cell motility was observed for cells stored for 24 hours in Pedialyte, MEMα, HBSS, milk, or coconut water.ConclusionsPedialyte is a viable alternative as a storage solution for avulsed teeth.     

Effect of soaking in Hank's balanced salt solution or milk on PDL cell viability of dry stored human teeth

Abstract— This study was designed to evaluate the effect of soaking in either Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) or milk on peri⁻odontal ligament (PDL) cell viability in avulsed teeth. Dry storage times of 30, 60, and 90 min were evaluated. PDL cell viability was determined after removal of the cells from the root surfaces of extracted teeth using a modification of the procedure described by Nakashima (Arch Oral Biol 1991;36:655–63). After trypsinization and subsequent treatment in collagenase, the cells were stained with trypan blue, and viable and non-viable cells were counted using a hemocytometer and converted to percentages for statistical comparison. The results of this study demonstrated no significant difference in the number of viable cells with or without soaking in HBSS or milk at any of the dry storage times. In addition, there was no significant difference in PDL cell viability between the 30-and the 60-min dry periods. Although the soaking procedure had no obvious negative consequence, no simcant improvement in PDL cell viability by the addition of this step was demonstrated under the conditions of this study.     

Comparison of coconut water, propolis, HBSS, and milk on PDL cell survival

Coconut water is biologically pure and sterile, with a rich presence of amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. The purpose of this study was to use a collagenase-dispase assay to investigate the potential of a new storage medium, coconut water, in comparison with propolis, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), and milk in maintaining viable periodontal ligament (PDL) cells on simulated avulsed teeth. Seventy freshly extracted human teeth were divided into 4 experimental groups and 2 control groups. The positive and negative controls corresponded to 0-minute and 8-hour dry times, respectively. The experimental teeth were stored dry for 30 minutes and then immersed in 1 of the 4 media (coconut water, propolis, HBSS, and milk). The teeth were then treated with dispase grade II and collagenase for 30 minutes. The number of viable PDL cells was counted with a hemocytometer and analyzed. Statistical analysis showed that coconut water kept significantly more PDL cells viable compared with propolis, HBSS, or milk. Coconut water can be used as a superior transport medium for avulsed teeth.     

Study of the effectiveness of propolis extract as a storage medium for avulsed teeth

Abstract – The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of propolis extract in maintaining the viability of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, and to radiographically analyze tooth replantation and the adjacent periodontium in dogs after storage in this extract. Human PDL cells were incubated with the experimental media propolis, milk, saliva, Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), and Dulbecco’s modified Eagles medium (DMEM, positive controls), and distilled water (negative control). Cell viability was determined 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h later by colorimetric MTT assay. Thirty incisors from dogs were divided into two storage time blocks (1 and 3 h) and were maintained in the experimental media. HBSS served as a positive control, and dry teeth (on gauze) as a negative control. The replanted teeth were radiographed once per month for 6 months. The radiographic images were standardized by the shortening/lengthening factor, and were both qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. The in vitro results showed that the efficacy of propolis in maintaining functional viability of PDL cells was similar to that of milk. Propolis and milk were significantly better than controls from the 6‐h time period. The in vivo results showed that teeth maintained in propolis medium exhibited replacement resorption with significant reduction in tooth length, similar to teeth maintained in saliva and dried teeth. This resorption was less intense with the 3‐h storage time than the 1‐h storage time. Conditions close to normal were found in teeth maintained in milk, similar to the HBSS control. Therefore, although propolis was effective in maintaining the viability of human PDL cells, resorption of the tooth replantation in dogs occurred under these experimental conditions.     

Comparison of soymilk, powdered milk, Hank's balanced salt solution and tap water on periodontal ligament cell survival

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of soymilk, powdered milk, and Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) to maintain human periodontal ligament (PDL) cell viability in vitro. PDL cells were obtained from extracted healthy third molars and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagles medium (DMEM). The cultures were exposed for 1, 2, 4, and 8 h to experimental solutions (tap water served as negative control and DMEM as positive control) at 37°C. The viable cells were then counted using the trypan blue exclusion technique. Data were analyzed by using one-way anova, post hoc Scheffe and two-way anova test. Statistical analysis showed that HBSS, powdered baby formula, and soymilk maintain cell viability equally well in different periods of times. Tap water cannot keep cells viable as well as other solutions. Soymilk and powdered baby formula can be recommended as suitable storage media for avulsed teeth for up to 8 h.     

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate: a novel storage medium for avulsed teeth

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in maintaining the vitality of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells when used as a storage medium for avulsed teeth prior to replantation. Thirty freshly extracted single-rooted human teeth with closed apices were randomly assigned to three experimental groups with 10 samples per group and immersed in one of the storage media: EGCG, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), or milk for 2 h. The PDL cells were dissociated by an enzyme treatment with collagenase and trypsin. The cells were then labeled with 0.4% Trypan blue for the determination of viability. The result showed that EGCG group had the highest percentage of cell viability, followed by HBSS and milk group, in descending order.     

Determining periodontal ligament (PDL) cell vitality from exarticulated teeth stored in saline or milk using fluorescein diacetate

One of the key factors for obtaining a favourable long-term prognosis in avulsed teeth is maintenance of the vitality of the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Most studies which have examined PDL cell vitality have used neutral red or trypan blue as stains. However, these stains have certain inherent disadvantages. The purpose of this paper was to (i) evaluate the use of saline and milk as storage media for PDL cells and (ii) determine the value of using fluorescein diacetate (FDA) as a staining medium for vital PDL cells on the root surface of avulsed teeth. Thirty-two single-rooted premolars were utilized from patients aged 13 to 28 years. Following atraumatic extraction, the teeth in the experimental groups were air dried for 10 min and then placed in either milk or saline for 120 min. Both control and experimental teeth were subjected to trypsinization procedures, staining with FDA, and haemocytometer readings to determine the number of vital cells. There was no statistically signifi-cant difference in the number of viable cells on the root surfaces of teeth after 2h of storage in either milk or in saline. Furthermore, staining with FDA provided an excellent method by which to determine PDL cell vitality.     

Storage media enhance osteoclastogenic potential of human periodontal ligament cells via RANKL‐independent signaling

Abstract – Background: Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS) and milk have gained wide acceptance as storage media for avulsed tooth. However, the effect of the media and storage time on the periodontal ligament (PDL) cells involvement in the development of root resorption is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether precultured PDL cells in HBSS, milk, or modified Eagle’s medium alpha (α‐MEM) would affect osteoclastogenesis. Materials and methods: PDL cells were precultured in HBSS, milk, or α‐MEM for 1 h or 6 h before being co‐cultured with RAW 264.7 cells for an additional 3 days for mRNA analysis and 11 days for osteoclastogenesis assay. Results: Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) mRNA was detected immediately in PDL cells precultured in the three storage media. The expression was up‐regulated markedly in all co‐cultures when compared with RAW cells alone. As a result of the co‐culture, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) expression was detectable in both PDL and RAW cells. TRAP+ multinucleated, osteoclast‐like cells developed in all co‐cultures; the number of TRAP+ cells was highest (P < 0.05) in the co‐cultures that PDL cells precultured in milk for 6 h. The mRNA level of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) was not detected in PDL cells. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA expression reduced with increased preculture time, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: PDL cells kept in the three storage media led to TRAP+ multinucleated, osteoclast‐like cells formation via RANKL‐independent signaling. The ability to induce osteoclastogenesis may be considered as one of the factors to evaluate the ability of storage medium to maintain PDL viability after tooth avulsion.     

Which is the most recommended medium for the storage and transport of avulsed teeth? A systematic review

Background/Aims

A wide variety of materials has been researched for their use as potential storage media for avulsed teeth, but it is essential to recognize the medium most recommended for improvement of the prognosis of avulsed teeth. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the most recommended medium to store and transport avulsed teeth based on the survival of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells as determined by in vitro studies.

Methods

Only laboratory‐based experimental studies on PDL cells found on adult permanent teeth were included. Data were collected using PubMed, CINAHL plus (EBSCO host), and the Cochrane Library, along with Google Scholar and a hand search. The key terms employed were permutations of [avulsed permanent teeth* OR dental avulsion* OR knocked out teeth*] AND [storage media* OR transport media* OR biological transport* OR PDL cell viability* OR PDL cell survival*]. A customized data extraction pro forma was used to extract the data and to evaluate the quality and risk of bias.

Results

The initial search yielded 978 articles, but only 67 were selected. Milk was the most recommended individual medium followed by Hank's balanced salt solution. Among natural products other than milk, propolis and coconut water were most frequently recommended. Recommendations were based on maintenance of PDL cell viability followed by ease of availability, low cost, and long shelf life.

Conclusions

Natural products are more effective in maintaining the PDL cell viability compared to synthetic products. Some storage media recommendations were also based upon practical aspects. Although natural products other than milk have more recommendations as a group, milk is the most recommended storage medium individually, based not only on PDL cell viability, but also practical considerations.     

Transport media for avulsed teeth: A review

Management protocols for avulsed teeth should include management of the pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in order to improve the long‐term prognosis and survival of these teeth. The use of an inappropriate transport or storage medium potentially increases the risk of PDL cell necrosis, which can result in ankylosis and replacement resorption of the tooth root. Considering the critical role of these media, an informed choice of a suitable medium is essential for a favourable outcome. The literature regarding transport media for avulsed teeth was reviewed using PubMed/MEDLINE up to February 2010. This review outlines the common storage media that are available and highlights their specific features or problems. Although HBSS, ViaSpan and Eagle's medium have great potential to maintain the PDL cells in a viable state after avulsion, the practicalities of using these solutions, the costs and the lack of ready availability to the general public make them less than ideal. Milk remains the most convenient, cheapest and readily available solution in most situations while also being capable of keeping PDL cells alive. Hence, milk remains the storage medium of choice for avulsed teeth that cannot be replanted immediately or very soon after the avulsion.     

Comparative evaluation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts stored in different types of milk: effects on viability and biosynthesis of collagen

Milk remains one of the most frequently recommended solutions for storage of avulsed teeth because it can maintain cell viability and is easily accessible. However, some negative effects of milk on avulsed teeth have been reported, just as the effects of milk on the long‐term functions of cells are not clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different types of milk on the viability, proliferation, and functions of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF)s in vitro. Human PDLFs were culture‐medium depleted for 5 min and stored in Hanks’ balanced salt solution (HBSS), whole cow's milk, low‐fat cow's milk, or almond milk for 1 h at 25°C. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using MTT assays. Expression of the genes encoding type I collagen and its modifying enzymes were analyzed using real‐time PCR. Collagen matrix production was evaluated using Picrosirius red polarization. Our results showed the overall efficiency of low‐fat cow's milk in maintaining the viability and proliferation of PDLFs, and in enhancing the process of collagen production. Almond milk storage resulted in the highest rate of PDLF proliferation, and comparable collagen biosynthesis ability to the control. Therefore, besides low‐fat cow's milk, almond milk may potentially be an alternative tooth‐storage medium for PDLF preservation and PDL tissue regeneration.     

Survival of human periodontal ligament cells in media proposed for transport of avulsed teeth

Abstract –  Many solutions have been examined as possible storage media for avulsed teeth. In this report, human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells were exposed for 1 h to culture medium, milk, Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), Soft Wear, Opti Free, and Solo Care contact lens solutions, Gatorade^®, and tap water, at room temperature and on ice. The number of viable cells was counted using the trypan blue exclusion technique, immediately after exposure (0 h) and at 24 and 48 h, to test the proliferative capacity of the cells after treatment. The results indicated that a significantly higher number of cells survived and proliferated when the exposures were performed at 0°C. Water had a detrimental effect on the cells, whereas culture medium and HBSS preserved significantly more viable cells than the other experimental solutions. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that HBSS is the optimal storage medium for avulsed teeth. Low-fat milk could serve as an alternative if ice is available. Contact lens solutions or Gatorade^® on ice could serve as short-term (1 h) storage media if the other solutions are not readily available.     

The use of green tea extract as a storage medium for the avulsed tooth

Introduction

Green tea extract (GTE) has been reported to have remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic effects and to prolong allograft survivals. The purpose of the present study is to investigate in vitro the efficacy of GTE as a storage medium for avulsed teeth. We estimated the possibility for storage medium by maintaining the viability of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

Methods

Human PDL cells were cultured and stored in the following media: (1) Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), (2) tap water, (3) milk, (4) GTE, and (5) commercial green tea. After 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours, cells in different media were examined under the optical microscope, and their viabilities were analyzed by using a nucleocounter and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5(3-carboxymethonyphenol)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay. The data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance tests with post analysis using the Duncan method (P < .05).

Results

The result indicates that there was no difference in cell viability between GTE and HBSS media, whereas GTE showed higher cell viability than other media (P < .05).

Conclusions

Our study shows that the efficacy of GTE in maintaining the viability of human PDL cells is similar to that of HBSS and higher than that of milk. Therefore, we conclude that GTE could be a suitable, alternative storage medium for avulsed teeth.     

Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in pulp cells of extracted immature teeth preserved in two different storage media

Abstract – A specially composed medium for storing avulsed teeth has been developed. In experimental and clinical studies it could be shown that PDL cells could be kept viable during storage in the medium for up to 53 h. In the present study the medium was tested on pulp cells. A total of 40 immature unerupted third molars with open apices were removed surgically and the teeth were stored in a special cell culture medium (SCCM) or in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) at room temperature for 6, 12, 18 or 24 h. Five teeth were assigned to each group. A total of seven consecutive pulp cross‐sections per tooth were examined, resulting in a total of 280 specimens. Viable cells were marked using proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The pulp was divided in three regions: apical region (0–0.5 mm), middle region (>0.5–1.5 mm) and coronal region (>1.5 mm). The labelling index (LI) was calculated for the whole cut (regions 1, 2 and 3) and for each region separately. The statistical evaluation was made using the One‐way anova and Mann–Whitney Test. Pulp cells of all teeth expressed PCNA. About 110 of 140 specimens in the SCCM and 101 of 140 specimens in the HBSS group showed PCNA‐positive cells. The highest LI was observed within the apical region and decreased with increased distance from the medium. No marked cells were observed at a distance of more than 1.5 mm. The LI for both media showed a significant increase with storage intervals (P < 0.05). The pulp cells of teeth stored in SCCM showed a LI nearly twice as high compared to pulp cells of teeth stored in HBSS for the apical and middle region (time interval 6, 18 and 24 h: P < 0.05). The LI for the apical region was found to be 8.43% for the SCCM and 4.50% for the HBSS after 24 h. For the middle region the LI was found to be 2.02% for the SCCM and 0.81% for the HBSS after 24 h. Within the parameters of this study, it appears that the SCCM is able to maintain pulp cell viability better than HBSS. The use of special cell culture media in case of tooth avulsion may be beneficial.     

Effect of catalase supplementation in storage media for avulsed teeth

Abstract – The type of liquid medium used to store avulsed teeth prior to replantation has been shown to affect the long‐term prognosis. One possibility is that some storage media contain hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) that may be toxic to periodontal ligament cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if the addition of catalase to storage media improved the prognosis of replanted dog teeth. Forty‐eight mongrel premolar roots were endodontically treated, extracted, randomly divided and placed into one of four storage media: Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), containing no antioxidant); Viaspan, containing the antioxidant, glutathione, or the same two media supplemented with catalase(100 U ml^?1) for 1, 5, or 26 h prior to replantation. After 2 months, the dogs were euthanized and the roots histologically examined to evaluate the attachment tissues. Regardless of the storage medium used, overall healing was excellent and only 4% of the roots displayed inflammatory or replacement resorption. When roots from the different storage media were compared, those stored in HBSS were found to display the highest incidence of surface resorption (55.7%). Supplementation of HBSS with catalase resulted in a lower level of surface resorption (48.6%) that was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Roots stored in Viaspan – or + catalase displayed even lower levels of surface resorption (41.3 and 38.2%, respectively). The improvement observed with catalase‐supplemented HBSS was confined to the 45‐min incubation period; only Viaspan – or + catalase reduced surface resorption at the 5‐ and 26‐h incubations. Collectively, these data demonstrate that roots stored in media containing antioxidant activity undergo less surface resorption. These results suggest that low levels of H₂O₂ in storage media for avulsed teeth may adversely affect periodontal ligament cells.     

The influence of storage conditions on the clonogenic capacity of periodontal ligament cells: implications for tooth replantation

Viable periodontal ligament (PL) cells are required for PL healing of avulsed teeth following replantation. If immediate replantation cannot be accomplished, the ability of PL progenitor cells to reproduce (clonogenic capacity) and recolonize the wound may be extended by prevention of desiccation and storage in physiological media. This investigation examined the effects of storage in saliva, milk, Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and Eagle's medium (αMEM) on the clonogenic capacity of human PL progenitor cells at 30 and 60 min extra-alveolar time. Twenty erupted human premolar teeth extracted as atraumatically as possible for orthodontic purposes were used in the present study. Fifteen premolars were placed immediately in freshly collected autologous saliva at room temperature, (+ 23°C) for 15 min. These 15 premolars were next divided into three groups of five and stored in either saliva, milk or HBSS at + 4°C in plastic cups surrounded by ice. The remaining five teeth served as positive controls and were immediately placed in αMEM at + 4°C. PL tissue was scraped from one-half of the root surface with a scalpel at 30 and 60 min total extra-alveolar duration. Cells were released from the tissue sample with a 30 min enzymatic digestion procedure and the cells from the tissue samples analyzed for clonogenic capacity. There was a reduction in clonogenic capacity with time for all protocols. Periodontal ligament cells stored in αMEM showed the least reduction between 30 and 60 min and the greatest reduction was observed for PL cells stored in saliva. The difference in clonogenic capacity following transfer from saliva to milk or HBSS was not significant at 30 min. At 60 min, cells transferred from saliva to HBSS had a statistically higher percentage of clonogenic cells than those transferred to milk (5.9% vs. 3.5%; P < 0.05). We conclude that immediate storage of avulsed teeth in autologous saliva, followed by transfer to chilled milk, preserves the presence of sufficient progenitor cells in the PL to warrant replantation and the possibility of PL healing at 60 min extra-alveolar duration.