Behaviour of fibroblasts during initial attachment to a glass-ceramic implant material in vitro: a time-lapse video-micrographic study.

Abstract

The in vitro behaviour of 3T3 fibroblasts plated on a glass-ceramic implant material, Apoceram, and on tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) was monitored using phase-contrast, time-lapse video microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Significant differences were observed in the short-term cellular response to TCP and Apoceram in the timing of the fibroblasts' morphological changes, with earlier spreading and stabilization of the cells occurring on TCP. Cell surface ruffling activity was greater on the glass-ceramic, reflecting weaker adhesions to the substratum. The experimental method used facilitates direct analysis of the dynamic activity of cells attaching to artificial substrata.