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PubMed2002

Odontoblast phosphate and calcium transport in dentinogenesis.

It has been suggested that odontoblasts are instrumental in translocating Ca2+ and inorganic phosphate (Pi) ions during the mineralization of dentin. The aim of this thesis was, therefore, to study the expression of components of the transcellular ion transport system, Na+/Ca2+ exchangers and Na(+)-Pi contransporters, in odontoblastic and osteoblastic cells. Their activity was assayed in osteoblast-like cells and in the recently developed MRPC-1 odontoblast-like cell line. To assess the relationship between ion transport and mineralization, Ca2+ and Pi uptake activities were determined in mineralizing cultures of MRPC-1 cells. Osteoblastic and odontoblastic cells showed an identical expression pattern of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger splice-variants, NCX1.3, NCX1.7 and NCX1.10, derived from the NCX1 gene, while NCX2 was not expressed. The cells showed a high sodium-dependent calcium extrusion activity. Regarding Na(+)-Pi cotransporter expression, Glvr-1, Ram-1 and the two high capacity cotransporters Npt-2a and Npt-2b were found to be expressed in odontoblasts and MRPC-1 cells. Osteoblast-like cells differed from this in expressing the Npt-1 but not the Ram-1 gene but were otherwise identical to the odontoblastic cells. Odontoblast-like cells exhibited almost twice the sodium-dependent Pi uptake activity of osteoblast-like cells. The presence of NaPi-2a and NaPi-2b, gene products of Npt-2a and Npt-2b, was verified in vivo by immunohistochemistry on mouse teeth. Both cotransporters could be detected in fully differentiated, polarized odontoblasts but not in preodontoblasts prior to dentin formation. Both cotransporters were detected in adjacent bone and in ameloblasts. Studying ion uptake in mineralizing MRPC-1 cultures, large changes were detected concomitant with the onset of mineral formation, when phosphate uptake increased by 400% while calcium uptake started to decline. The increase in Pi uptake was found to be due to activation of the NaPi-2a cotransporter. MRPC-1 cells expressed an odontoblast-like phenotype already at the onset of culture, but in order to form mineral a differentiation involving their ion transporters seems necessary. Calculating the theoretical rate of ion transport needed for dentin formation and comparing with data from the studies in this thesis showed that transcellular ion transport is both possible and sufficient to meet the phosphate and calcium demands of dentinogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The role of growth factors in determination and differentiation of the odontoblastic cell lineage.

In developing teeth the differentiation of odontoblasts is triggered by the enamel epithelium and is tightly coupled with morphogenesis. There is substantial evidence that even in mature teeth the cells of the dental pulp retain the capability to differentiate into odontoblasts under suitable conditions. However, cells from other than the dental mesenchymal cell lineage apparently do not possess this potential. Thus, it is conceivable that the dental mesenchymal cells acquire cell type-specific potential to differentiate into odontoblasts during their developmental history. Therefore, the understanding of the mechanisms which regulate the terminal differentiation of odontoblasts requires that the molecular changes and mechanisms that are associated with their progressive determination be clarified. It can be speculated that there are key transition points in the developmental sequence during which the mesenchymal cells acquire new levels of differentiation. These include, (1) the condensation of the neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells around the epithelial bud, (2) their entrance into the dental papilla lineage during cap stage, and (3) the differentiation of the cells underlying the enamel epithelium into odontoblasts during bell stage. The transition points are conceivably characterized by amplification or onset of expression of new sets of genes encoding transcription factors, growth factors as well as structural proteins. We have applied in situ hybridization for localization of the expression of two growth factors during mouse molar morphogenesis: transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) and int-2 (a proto-oncogene coding for a fibroblast growth factor-related protein). During bud stage, expression of TGF beta 1 was first detected in the epithelium and shortly thereafter in the condensed dental mesenchyme. The expression was weak during early bell stage but a high number of transcripts appeared in secretory odontoblasts as well as in presecretory ameloblasts. int-2 mRNA appeared in the dental papilla mesenchyme at the onset of cap stage, persisted in the cuspal mesenchyme during bell stage and was lost upon completion of morphogenesis. Our findings suggest that cell type-specific expression of TGF beta 1 and int-2 is associated with phenotypic properties of the odontoblastic cell lineage. For instance, TGF beta 1 may regulate matrix deposition by increasing tenascin and syndecan expression in the condensed dental mesenchyme and by controlling dentin matrix deposition by odontoblasts. TGF beta 1 and int-2 may also be involved in signalling between the epithelial and mesenchymal tissues and in regulation of gene expression at the transition points of the developmental sequence that leads to the differentiation of odontoblasts.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Development of tight junctions between odontoblasts in early dentinogenesis as revealed by freeze-fracture.

BACKGROUND: Mature odontoblasts possess junctional structures constituted by adherens, gap, and tight junctions. Although adherens and gap junctions appear early between odontoblasts, there is no information on the appearance and development of tight junctions between odontoblasts. In this study, we have examined freeze-fracture replicas of early dentinogenesis to study the development of tight junctions between odontoblasts and to determine whether these junctions are of zonular or macular type. METHODS: Upper first molar tooth germs of Wistar rats between 1 and 3 days old were fixed in buffered 4% glutaraldehyde/4% formaldehyde and subsequently cryoprotected with cacodylate-buffered glycerol. Freeze-fracture replicas were obtained in a Balzers 301 apparatus, and early stages of dentinogenesis were examined in a Jeol 100 CX II electron microscope. RESULTS: In the stage of early dentine matrix prior to mineralization, odontoblasts exhibit only gap junctions. With the progression of development, the distal plasma membranes of odontoblasts show numerous short tight junctions formed by fused particles and grooves. In the stage of advanced mineralization, branched and continuous rows of fused particles or grooves constitute tight junctions of the focal or macular type. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that tight junctions of focal or macular type appear on distal plasma membrane of early odontoblasts during differentiation. Formation of tight junctions indicates the establishment of a distal membrane domain and maturation of odontoblasts. These events occur as mantle dentine formation ceases and circumpulpar dentine formation begins.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1981

The behavior of substances labeled with 3H-proline and 3H-fucose in the cellular processes of odontoblasts and ameloblasts.

Odontoblasts are cells with single cytoplasmic processes that grow longer as more dentin is elaborated. Ameloblasts also have single processes and it has been postulated that they too grow longer as more enamel is made. Support for this hypothesis was obtained using rat incisors to investigate the behavior of substances labeled with 3H-proline and 3H-fucose. A comparison was made between odontoblasts, which have processes known to grow and remain within the dentin, and the ameloblasts whose Tomes' processes are hypothesized to grow and leave remnants in the completed enamel. With 3H-proline, the odontoblast bodies are labeled at the early time intervals. They synthesize and secrete a layer of intensely labeled predentin, which by 1 and 2 days is converted to mineralized dentin. Matrix deposited after the main pulse is weakly labeled. Odontoblast processes are never labeled in dentin formed prior to injection. With 3H-fucose, the cell bodies are labeled at the early intervals and the newly formed glycoproteins are deposited into the predentin. Almost immediately, these are progressively added to the dentin at the calcification front. With time a gradient of labeling extends from the unlabeled dentin toward the odontoblast bodies. Unlike the behavior of labeled proteins, by 1 and 2 days labeled glycoproteins appear along the entire length of the odontoblast processes. In the enamel, no Tomes' processes are present during maturation. With 3H-proline, reactions are adjacent to the cells and diffuse toward, but do not reach the dentino-enamel junction by 1 and 2 days. With 3H-fucose, reactions appear over the enamel near the cells. By 1 and 2 days no diffusive pattern is seen, but grains are concentrated near the dentino-enamel junction, in a region containing holes known to be the beginning of Tomes' processes. Since odontoblast glycoproteins migrate along odontoblast processes, it was postulated that cytoplasmic remnants were present in enamel along which ameloblast glycoproteins could also migrate to reach the holes at the dentino-enamel junction.

Ameloblasts↗
PubMed1995

Immunoelectron-microscopic study of the localization of fibronectin in the odontoblast layer of human teeth.

Indirect immunofluorescence-based studies have shown similarities in the distribution patterns of fibronectin-positive fibrous structures and so-called von Korff fibres. The aim of the present study was to analyse the reactivity of fibronectin in the odontoblast layer of fully developed human teeth by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Between the odontoblasts, discrete and undulatory fibrillar fascicles with peroxidase labelling were observed. They seemed to be in contact with odontoblasts in some areas, while in others they appeared to be intervening between two neighbouring odontoblasts. Higher magnifications of the fibrillar material demonstrated axial periodic staining of about 70 nm. Peroxidase reaction of fibronectin was also recognized along the cell membrane of odontoblasts facing predentine. The fibronectin in fibrillar fascicles observed between odontoblasts would be held in place by the direct molecular interaction with collagen fibrils and contribute to the pulpward migration of these cells and maintenance of their specific morphology. At the distal end of odontoblasts, a tight seal would be maintained by means of odontoblast-fibronectin adhesion.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗
PubMed2004

New cellular models for tracking the odontoblast phenotype.

Odontoblasts and osteoblasts differ functionally and histologically. Because of their close relationship, mesenchymal cells derived from teeth and bone are difficult to distinguish ex vivo. Indeed, the main non-collagenous components of the odontoblastic extracellular matrix, dentin sialoprotein (DSP) or dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), have also been detected in osteoblasts. The need to develop cellular models of odontoblast differentiation and to identify markers specific for the odontoblast lineage, has led us to establish clonal cell lines from tooth germs of day 18 mouse embryos transgenic for an adenovirus-SV40 recombinant plasmid. In this study, we analyzed the phenotypes of three independent clones by RT-PCR and Western blot. These clones synthesised DSP, DMP1 and other extracellular matrix proteins typical of the odontoblast and are therefore likely to be derived from the pulp. Transcripts encoding a set of homeobox proteins involved in craniofacial development, such as Pax9, Msx1, Cbfa1, Dlx2 and 5 were also expressed albeit at a different level. These features of the pulpal clones are shared by the C1 mesodermal cells that are capable of differentiating along osteogenic, chondrogenic or adipogenic lineages In contrast, transcripts for two LIM-domain homeobox family genes (Lhx6 and Lhx7) were only detected in the dental clones. Since these genes are preferentially expressed in the mesenchyme of the developing tooth, this suggests that our transgenic-derived cell lines retain intrinsic properties of odontoblastic cells. They may help to characterise genes specifying the odontoblast phenotype and the signalling pathways underlying odontoblast differentiation.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2001

Alteration of odontoblast osteonectin expression following dental cavity preparation.

Cavity preparation can increase the active synthesis and secretion of non-collagenous proteins by odontoblasts, thus resulting in the deposition of tertiary dentine. In this study, the effect of cavity preparation on osteonectin expression was examined in odontoblasts of the rat tooth pulp. A class V cavity was prepared in rat first molars to stimulate odontoblastic secretory activity, and the animals were killed at various intervals. In the normal pulp, osteonectin immunoreactivity was detected in odontoblasts but not other cells. At 1 day after cavity preparation, immunoreactivity had diminished beneath the cavity. At 3 days, strong immunoreactivity could be detected in odontoblasts beneath the cavity. Numerous round cells underlying the odontoblastic layer also demonstrated immunoreactivity. Thereafter, the intensity of osteonectin immunoreactivity in odontoblasts beneath tertiary dentine decreased gradually, and at 30 and 60 days, it was weaker than in normal pulp. These findings suggest that osteonectin is actively synthesized by odontoblasts underlying a cavity in the initial stage of tertiary dentine formation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Expression of amelogenin in odontoblasts.

Amelogenin is the major enamel protein produced by ameloblasts. Its expression has been shown to be down-regulated in ameloblasts of vitamin-D-deficient (-D) rats. The potential expression and localization of amelogenin in odontoblasts and its regulation by vitamin D were investigated in this study. RT-PCR and semi-quantitative Northern blot analyses were performed using the odontoblast cell line MO6-G3 and microdissected dental pulp mesenchyme. Both in vitro and in vivo odontoblasts expressed various alternatively spliced amelogenin transcripts. In situ hybridization studies showed that amelogenin expression was restricted to young odontoblasts during mantle dentin deposition. Electron microscopy studies localized the amelogenin protein in the odontoblast cell process cytoplasm and mantle dentin. Amelogenin immunolabeling was stronger in -D rats, suggesting an inverse regulation by vitamin D in odontoblasts. Furthermore, amelogenin mRNA steady-state levels were significantly increased in -D dental pulp mesenchyme. In addition, a temporal-spatial lengthening of the mantle dentin stage was observed in -D animals, suggesting that developmental perturbations occur in relation to the vitamin D status and/or amelogenin expression. These data show that amelogenin is expressed by odontoblasts selectively during mantle dentin deposition. This developmental regulated expression pattern is enhanced under vitamin-D-deficiency status and in a broader context may play an important role during ameloblast and odontoblast differentiation and function.

Amelogenin↗
PubMed2003

Expression profile of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs in mature human odontoblasts and pulp tissue.

Previous studies have demonstrated that (at least) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, -8, -9, -14 and -20 are expressed by human odontoblasts. Here, we analysed the expression of 19 MMPs and their specific tissue inhibitors (TIMP)-1, -2 and -3) -1, -2 and -3 in mature human odontoblasts and pulp tissue. Since MMP-20 is almost exclusively expressed by the dentin-pulp complex cells, we further analysed the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMPs)-2 on its expression. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 served as a positive control for growth factor responsiveness. It was found that MMP-1, -2, -9, -10, -11, -13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -19, -20 and -23, in addition to TIMP-1, -2 and -3 were expressed by both odontoblasts and pulp tissue. Neither MMP-3 nor MMP-12 were expressed in odontoblasts or pulp tissue, and MMP-7, -8, -24 and -25 were expressed only in the odontoblasts; MMP-2, -10, -11, -14 and -20 were expressed more abundantly by odontoblasts, whereas pulp tissue expressed more MMP-13 and MMP-17. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (1 ng ml(-1)) and BMP-2 (100 ng ml(-1)) did not markedly affect MMP-20 mRNA expression. In contrast, TGF-beta1 alone and with BMP-2 significantly upregulated MMP-9 mRNA by 2.4-fold and by 2.6-fold, respectively, in odontoblasts, while in pulp tissue no effects could be detected. The wide-scale expression of MMPs and TIMPs by mature human odontoblasts and pulp tissue suggests that they may participate in dentin matrix organization prior to mineralization, and that growth factors may further control dentin matrix modeling by differentially regulating individual MMPs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Gene expression in a pure population of odontoblasts isolated by laser-capture microdissection.

Studies of odontoblast differentiation and function have been limited due to difficulties in obtaining sufficient numbers of intact cells. We describe a novel approach of laser-capture microdissection to obtain homogenous populations of pre-odontoblasts and odontoblasts from tissue sections of mouse molar cusp tips. Fixation, processing, and staining conditions were assessed for the optimal retrieval of total RNA from microdissected odontoblasts. Fluorometric assays and RT-PCR analysis of alpha1(I) collagen, dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp), and osteocalcin (OC) confirmed that the total RNA from three-day-old captured odontoblasts was sufficient in quantity and quality. Odontoblast-specific gene expression was studied by RT-PCR analysis performed in a single streptavidin-coated tube. At E15.5, Days 0 and 3, gene expression in laser-captured odontoblasts resembled that seen in vivo by in situ hybridization. The use of LCM is thus a valuable means of retrieving quality RNA from discrete populations of odontoblasts at different stages of dentinogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Expression of vimentin intermediate filament in human odontoblast.

BACKGROUND: Vimentin (57 Kda) is a cytoskeletal protein. Odontoblasts contain vimentin and it seems that this protein may function to keep the organelles and the nucleus in a definite place. However little is known about vimentin in the cytoskeleton of odontoblast processes. The purpose of the present study was, therefore to immunolocalize vimentin intermediate filament in odontoblast body and process in order to clarify the distribution of this cytoskeletal element. METHODS: 12 extracted intact premolars, from children, were used in the present study. Each specimen was decalcified in EDTA. Each tissue portion was embedded in paraffin. On sections a monoclonal anti-vimentin antibody was applied. The immunoreaction was visualized by ABC technique. RESULTS: Vimentin was expressed in the cell body and cell process of odontoblasts, however with a different immunolabeling pattern related to the topographical area of observations. In odontoblast cell bodies vimentin showed a perinuclear and cytoplasmatic staining. In the very initial portion of odontoblast process immunoreaction products for vimentin were observed in the core of the process. In the middle zone of dentin vimentin immunoreactions products also showed a granular and cross-bridge arrangements, and also, vimentin was also detected under the plasma membrane, at the periphery of the odontoblast process. Nearby the dentino-enamel junction vimentin immunolabeling was appreciated, mainly under the plasma membrane. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of vimentin distribution in the odontoblast process it seems plausible to assume that this IF vimentin is important in forming a flexible scaffold essential for structuring cytoplasm.

Child↗
PubMed2001

Baseline expression and effect of TGF-beta 1 on type I and III collagen mRNA and protein synthesis in human odontoblasts and pulp cells in vitro.

Since growth factors have been suggested to regulate dentin collagen formation in response to external irritation, we investigated the effect of TGF-beta 1 on pro alpha 1 (I) collagen mRNA expression in cultured mature human odontoblasts and pulpal fibroblasts, as well as cultured human pulp tissue, using quantitative PCR. Cultured gingival fibroblasts (GF) and osteoblasts (OB) served as controls. Also, type I collagen synthesis in cultured odontoblasts and pulp tissue, as well as type III collagen synthesis in odontoblasts, were studied by measuring respective procollagen (PINP and PIIINP) secretion into culture media with radio-immunoassay (RIA). Odontoblasts expressed significantly higher basic level of type I collagen mRNA than pulp tissue or pulp fibroblasts in culture, but markedly lower level than GF and OB cells. TGF-beta 1 (10 ng/ml) had negligible effects on type I collagen mRNA expression or PINP synthesis in cultured odontoblasts and pulp tissue, and PIIINP synthesis in the odontoblasts. In PF cells, the effect of TGF-beta 1 depended on culturing conditions; a 6-fold increase in mRNA expression was observed using serum-free medium but no effect was seen in the cells cultured with 10% FBS. In contrast, GF cells serving as controls were not markedly affected by the culture conditions, with 2-3-fold increase in mRNA expression by TGF-beta 1. These experiments demonstrate that mature human odontoblasts are capable of synthesizing type III collagen protein, and that TGF-beta 1 has negligible effect on mature human odontoblast and pulp tissue collagen expression.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

[Lectin histochemical study on human dental pulp. Special reference to odontoblasts and pulp cells].

The present study investigated some lectin affinities of human dental pulps, especially of odontoblasts and pulp cells. The materials were obtained from clinically intact teeth that were caries-free, attrition and/or abrasion-free. Mucopolysaccharide staining was carried out with applied PAS and alcian blue (AB) (pH 1.0 and 2.5). Lectins used were Con A, WGA, RCA-1, UEA-1, DBA, SBA, MPA, LFA, HPA, PNA, and GS-1, and the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method was employed. Some specimens were tested for PNA binding after treatment with sialidase. The following results were obtained: 1) On PAS and AB staining, the pulp tissue was very weakly or borderline positive. 2) Lectin binding in odontoblasts was intensely positive with Con A, WGA, RCA-1, MPA, and LFA, but negative or very weakly positive with the other lectins examined. 3) Lectin localization in odontoblasts was localized diffusely throughout the cytoplasm. 4) On PNA staining, odontoblasts were negative, but changed to positive after treatment with sialidase. 5) Odontoblast processes showed negative or borderline staining with all lectins used in this study. 6) The pulp cells were clearly positive with Con A, MPA, LFA, RCA-1, and SBA and especially LFA showed an intense reaction with the pulp cells. 7) WGA affinity for odontoblasts was very strong but that for pulp cells was very weak. 8) Lectin binding in pulp cells was observed mainly in the processes of the cells. From the above results, it is clear that the lectin binding pattern of odontoblasts differs from that of pulp cells. The data suggest that D-mannose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-galactose, and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues are localized in the odontoblasts and sialic acid is localized in the pulp cells.

Dental Pulp↗
PubMed1987

Microtubules, intermediate filaments, and actin filaments in the odontoblast of rat incisor.

Actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules in the odontoblasts of rat incisors were investigated electron microscopically using heavy meromyosin and taxol. Actin filaments were abundant at the periphery of the odontoblast process in the form of a network or in bundles. In a branch of the odontoblast process, longitudinally oriented actin filament bundles were found. Most actin filaments were associated with the plasma membrane via electron-dense material which stained with tannic acid. The intermediate filaments had a diameter of 11 to 13 nm. They were distributed throughout the cytoplasm of odontoblasts. They ran lengthwise in the core of the odontoblast process, which showed a different distribution compared with that of actin filaments. Microtubules, which were disrupted after Triton X-100 but preserved by addition of taxol, tended to be associated with intermediate filaments. Such a relation was also seen in conventional preparations. Coated vesicles, which were abundant at the periphery of the odontoblast process, were often associated with actin filaments. Therefore, it is suggested that actin filaments, in the odontoblast process at least, play a role associated with the coated vesicles at the periphery of the process, and may be involved in coated vesicle transport.

Actins↗
PubMed2000

A novel method to isolate odontoblasts from rat incisor.

Historically, odontoblasts have been isolated from rat incisor using a surgical curette to separate these cells from the dentin. Isolation of odontoblasts using this approach typically resulted in cells with membrane properties that made the application of patch-clamp electrophysiological techniques prohibitive. The studies here describe a new procedure for isolating mature odontoblasts from adult rat incisor to obtain enriched populations of intact, viable odontoblasts that can be readily studied using patch-clamp methodologies. Identification of isolated cells as odontoblasts was confirmed using in situ mRNA hybridization for expression of dentin sialoprotein, osteocalcin, bone sialoprotein, and type I collagen, and calcium flux was monitored in these cells by means of fura-2 microfluorometry. We suggest that either single odontoblasts or clusters of these cells isolated by this new method would be an ideal preparation for the study of odontoblast properties using electrophysiological techniques, in situ hybridization and/or microfluorometry.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A confocal laser scanning microscopic study of the immunofluorescent localization of fibronectin in the odontoblast layer of human teeth.

The distribution of fibronectin in dental pulp was studied in developing and developed human teeth by indirect immunofluorescence using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the apical region of developing teeth, intense fluorescence was found along the basement membrane facing the mesenchyme of Hertwig's epithelial sheath and first-formed (mantle) predentine. With further elongation of odontoblasts, fibronectin was observed between the cells, appearing as corkscrew fibres passing from the pulp into predentine parallel to the long axis of the odontoblasts. In the coronal region of developing and developed teeth a similar distribution of fibronectin was observed in the odontoblast layer. At the border zone between odontoblasts and predentine the reaction was intense, but was weak in the predentine itself. In the calcified dentinal matrix it had disappeared completely, except for the area along the dentinal tubules. The results demonstrate that fibronectin is present in the odontoblast layer during all stages of dentinogenesis. Fibronectin-positive fibrous structures between odontoblasts probably correspond to von Korff fibres, and are closely related to odontoblast differentiation and dentinogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Expression and localization of reelin in human odontoblasts.

Reelin is a large extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein strongly expressed during embryonic development in the central nervous system and involved in architectonic brain development. It could participate in axon plasticity processes or adhesion-recognition between nerve fibers in adulthood. Previously identified from a subtractive cDNA library of fully differentiated human odontoblasts, reelin might be involved in the relationship between dental nerves and odontoblasts in as so far the latter are in close association with pulpal nerve fibers. Here, we show by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry that reelin is specifically expressed by human odontoblasts in vivo and in vitro and that an intense expression of the reelin gene is detected in odontoblasts in comparison with pulpal cells (PC). Co-cultures of rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) and odontoblasts allow to mimic odontoblast innervation and demonstrate that neurites contact these cells with reelin molecules as observed in vivo in human dental pulp. Moreover, by RT-PCR, we show that both reelin receptors (namely apolipoprotein E receptor [ApoER-2], very low density lipoprotein receptor [VLDLR] and cadherin-related neuronal receptor [CNR]) and the cytoplasmic adapter Disabled-1 implicated in the reelin signal transduction, were expressed by trigeminal ganglion. On the basis of these data, we suggest that reelin might be an extracellular matrix molecule involved in the terminal innervation of the dentin-pulp complex, promoting adhesion between dental nerve endings and odontoblasts.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed2004

Calbindin D-28k distribution in odontoblasts underneath tertiary dentine in human carious teeth.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity in carious teeth to know whether this protein may have a function in tertiary dentine formation. METHODS: Human extracted teeth with or without carious lesions were immersion-fixed with Zamboni fixative, demineralized in 4.13% EDTA solution (pH 7.4), frozen-sectioned, and processed for calbindin immunoreactivity and hematoxylin-eosin stain. The intensity of the immunostaining was evaluated by quantitative densitometry. RESULTS: In intact teeth, numerous odontoblasts were aligned underneath the secondary dentine and their cell bodies showed the immunoreactivity. In carious teeth, tertiary dentine had poor- or rich tubular patterns under the carious lesion. Underneath the tubule-poor tertiary dentine, distinct odontoblasts could not be seen at the central site. However, some cells with a flat appearance were located at this site and were immunonegative for calbindin D-28k. On the other hand, columnar odontoblasts were seen at the peripheral site, and their cell bodies and processes showed strong immunoreactivity. Underneath the tubule-rich tertiary dentine, columnar odontoblasts were abundantly distributed, and the strong immunoreactivity was observed in their cell bodies and processes. The immunoreactivity in odontoblasts underneath the tertiary dentine with poor or rich tubular pattern was more intense than that for the secondary dentine in intact teeth (P<0.05). On the other hand, the intensity of the immunoreactivity in odontoblasts was similar underneath the secondary dentine in intact and carious teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that calbidin D-28k was actively synthesised by odontoblasts under the carious lesion. These findings may suggest that this protein plays an important role in the tertiary dentine formation.

Adult↗