Histopathologic features of spontaneous periodontitis in adult Macaca fascicularis monkeys

In the general absence of histopathologic data on spontaneous periodontitis in non-human primates, the present study was performed using a group of 6 M. fascicularis monkeys (1 female, 5 males) about 8 to 10 years of age. Four animals were given one intraveneous injection of ³H-proline 24 h prior to death. The perfusion-fixed jaws were processed for serial ground sectioning of the posterior teeth. Sections cut mesio-distally or horizontally were examined by lightmicroscopy, polarized light, roentgenography and radioautography. It was shown that, (1) supra- and subgingival plaque and calculus were omnipresent interdentally, (2) chronic established gingivitis was most common, (3) incipient to moderate periodontitis occurred in 3 animals, primarily around maxillary premolars and molars, (4) characteristic histopathologic features allowed differentiation between inactive and postactive lesions, (5) moderate periodontitis could be associated with intensive new bone formation, and. (6) high protein synthetic activity was characteristic for the healthy periodontal ligament, a chronically inflamed gingiva, and the trabecular bone of the alveolar process with signs of peripheral bone loss. Severe periodontitis was seen in 1 animal only, and it also suffered from periodontogenic infections of the face, and from emaciation.