Tissue responses in the rat incisor pulp following traumatic injury

The pulps of the lower incisors of fifty young rats were subjected to a standardized mechanical injury. The injured tissue was examined both histologically and histochemically after intervals ranging from 5 min to 14 days. The results revealed a rapid depolymerization of the intercellular components of the pulp, certain changes being recorded within a few minutes of injury. The degree of injury, although severe enough to cause complete cessation of growth of the involved incisor for a limited period, remained localized to a relatively small area of pulp and complete resynthesis of intercellular fibres and ground substance was established within 14 days. Clinical examination of the incisor at this stage showed it to be restored to full function.