Elsevier

Experimental Neurology

Volume 32, Issue 2, August 1971, Pages 295-302
Experimental Neurology

Interaction of tooth pulp and periodontal ligament receptors in a jaw-depression reflex

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Abstract

Bipolar electrodes were implanted in the periodontal ligament space of the upper right and left canine teeth in eight cats to permit activation of periodontal ligament receptors, and in the predentin of each of these teeth, to permit activation of the pulpal nerves. Electrical stimulation of the periodontal ligament receptors of either canine tooth elicited a vigorous jaw-depression reflex. Tooth movement, which is known to stimulate the jaw-depression reflex, was completely avoided in this study. Summation of the sensory input from the two upper canine periodontal ligaments was demonstrated in every animal. In addition, summation was demonstrated between periodontal ligament receptors and tooth pulpal nerves.

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1

This investigation was supported by Grant G.R.S.G. 5SO1-RR05308 from The National Institutes of Health and by Research Scientist Award MH16077, to KVA, from The National Institute of Mental Health. Publication No. 1014, Department of Anatomy, Division of Basic Health Sciences, Emory University. The authors express their appreciation to Mr. Clegg Honeycutt for assistance in all phases of this research.

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