The effect of temperature on the discharge of periodontal ligament mechanoreceptors in the cat canine tooth

The response of periodontal ligament mechanoreceptors to mechanical stimuli was studied at different temperatures in anaesthetized cats. Recordings were made from functionally single fibres in the inferior alveolar nerve from mechanoreceptors which were located in the ligament by dissection and punctate stimulation and electrical stimulation. A thermode was used to alter and maintain small areas of periodontal ligament at temperatures ranging from thermode tip temperatures of 30C to 57°C. The response to ramp‐plateau mechanical stimuli applied to the tip of the crown of the canine tooth was greatest when the thermode temperature was 37.5°C±6.5°C. The effect was similar for all receptors studied.