Microscopic Assay for the Phagocytotic-Collagenolytic Performance (PCP Index) of Human Gingival Fibroblasts in vitro

Using 16 human gingival fibroblast cell lines from patients with periodontitis, Dilantin hyperplasia, and nonpathological gingiva, a microscopic assay was developed to quantitate the cells' ability to lyse collagen substrates. The method employs tissue culture chambers with one cover slip partially coated with a thin layer of undenatured fibrillar bovine codlagen. The assay measures the relative numbers and sizes of holes in the collagen within defined regions of the cover slips effected by the phagocytotic and collagenolytic performance (PCP) of the population of fibroblasts growing on the cover slip for 5 days. The effect on the PCP index by serum, heparin, prostaglandins, and endotoxin was evaluated.