The ultrastructure of epithelial rests of Malessez from explants of human periodontal membrane has been described. They differ from the resting cells seenin vivoin areas of the epithelial‐connective tissue junction, in their abundance of cytoplasm and increased number of lateral cell processes, by the marked alterations in number, arrangement, and morphology of organelles and inclusions; evidence of pinocytotic or reverse pinocytotic processes, and random areas of apatite formation. These findings provide further proof that the cell rests may remain viable upon completion of root formation. Apparently they are able to respond to environmental stimuli through an alteration in their enzymatic and protein synthesizing machinery. The arrangement of the organelles in cultured epithelial rests suggests protein utilization by the cells themselves and possibly also as a contribution to continuing alterations of their surrounding basement lamin
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