Role of fibroblast subpopulations in periodontal physiology and pathology

Abstract

Fibroblasts are the principal cell type in the soft connective tissues of the periodontium; they perform important functions in development, physiology, and disease. A growing number of reports have indicated site‐specific phenotypic variation of fibroblasts. Heterogeneity of metabolic traits has been demonstrated in cells from healthy and diseased tissues. The tissue distribution and relative proportions of fibroblast subpopulations have a significant impact on the regulation of connective tissue function in health and disease. Copyright © 1991, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved