Comparative evaluation of the clonogenic capacity of periodontal ligament fibroblasts in Hank's balanced salt solution and egg albumen: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND/AIM: The type of storage media for short-term storage of an avulsed tooth is a critical determinant for the success of tooth replantation. If immediate replantation of an avulsed tooth is not possible, it is advised to store the tooth in a suitable storage medium. The viability and clonogenicity of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) determines the success of replantation of an avulsed tooth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on the clonogenic capacity of PDLF's upon storage in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and egg albumen. METHODS: Fibroblast cell culture was established from a human premolar tooth extracted for orthodontic purposes. The PDLF cells thus obtained were treated with either Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM; as a positive control), HBSS, or egg albumen for different durations at room temperature and then allowed to grow in DMEM medium until visible colonies appeared which were then fixed, stained, and scored manually. RESULTS: With increase in the duration of storage in both egg albumen as well as HBSS, there was a reduction in the clonogenic capacity of the PDLF's as compared to DMEM. However, storage in egg albumen led to a significant reduction in the clonogenic capacity of PDLF's (8%-16% for egg albumen) compared to HBSS (80%-90%). CONCLUSION: Due to its limited ability to support the clonogenicity of PDLF's, egg albumen is a poor storage medium for an avulsed tooth compared to either DMEM or HBSS.