A stereologic analysis of collagen phagocytosis by periodontal ligament fibroblasts during occlusal hypofunction in the rat.

Maxillary molars were extracted unilaterally from 4 young male rats so as to leave the agonist mandibular molars in hypofunction. The mandibular molars on the opposite side of the mouth acted as controls. Three days later, the animals were killed by perfusion and all mandibular molars removed en bloc.