An Experimental Study on the Behavior of Merkel Cells under a Denture Base

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate Merkel cell behavior under the condition of continuous pressure by a denture base.Materials and Methods : A denture base made of 4-META/MMA-TBB adhesive resin was applied on the palatal rugae of golden hamsters, and the animals were sacrificed 2 and 3 weeks later.Results : Immunohistochemically, an aggregation of CK 20-positive cells was seen at the tip of the rugae in the control groups. However, a significant decrease in CK 20-positive cells was observed in the experimental groups at each of the time periods.Conclusion : These results suggest that the Merkel cells became apoptotic under continuous pressure and that the sensory system might have changed.