Dynamics of Bromodeoxyuridine Label–retaining Dental Pulp Cells during Pulpal Healing after Cavity Preparation in Mice

Gene expression profiles in human dental pulp stem cells treated short-term with lipopolysaccharides before and after osteoinduction

OBJECTIVES

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are essential for reparative dentinogenesis following damage or infection. DPSCs surrounding the blood vessels in the central region of the dental pulp actively proliferate after tooth injury and differentiate into new odontoblast-like cells or odontoblasts to form reparative dentin. However, the signaling pathways involved in undifferentiated and osteodifferentiated DPSCs under inflammatory conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the expression profiles of immortalized undifferentiated and osteo-differentiated human DPSCs (hDPSCs) treated with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms involved in inflammatory conditions.

METHODS

We investigated the differences between undifferentiated and osteodifferentiated hDPSCs in response to LPS. RNA-seq analyses of undifferentiated and osteodifferentiated hDPSCs were performed with and without LPS.

RESULTS

Whole-transcriptome profiling revealed distinct differences in the expression patterns of LPS-treated undifferentiated and osteodifferentiated DPSCs. Death-associated protein kinase 1 levels downregulated in LPS-treated osteodifferentiated cells, inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing cell survival. After LPS treatment, osteodifferentiated DPSCs exhibited higher expression levels of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines than undifferentiated DPSCs.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable transcriptomic data as a critical resource for uncovering potential therapeutic targets to enhance cell survival and regulate inflammation within the dental pulp. By elucidating the key molecular mechanisms and identifying specific gene expression changes linked to inflammatory and immune responses, these findings provide significant insights into osteo-differentiated hDPSCs.

The effect of intentionally perforating the floor of the pulp chamber on pulpal healing after tooth replantation in mice

OBJECTIVES

Shortening the root of a mouse molar prior to tooth replantation results in early revascularization in the pulp cavity and activation of the dental pulp quiescent stem cells. This study aimed to validate the effects of pulp chamber floor perforation on pulpal healing after tooth replantation as a strategy to promote early revascularization into the pulp.

METHODS

The maxillary first molars of three-week-old Crlj:CD1 mice were extracted and repositioned into the original socket: the left teeth were immediately replanted (control group: CG), whereas the floor of the pulp chamber of the right teeth was perforated with a tungsten carbide bur before tooth replantation (experimental group: EG). The samples were collected from three days to eight weeks postoperatively. In addition to the TUNEL assay, immunohistochemistry for Nestin, CK14, and Ki-67 was conducted.

RESULTS

In the EG, early revascularization occurred with a decrease in apoptosis and an increase in cell proliferation, facilitating pulpal healing, compared with the CG. The rate of Nestin-positive perimeter in the distal root significantly increased on days 5 and 14 and the amount of Nestin-positive hard tissue increased on day 14. However, on day 7, the number of epithelial cell rests of Malassez in the EG significantly decreased, making the EG susceptible to ankylosis at the floor.

CONCLUSIONS

Intentionally perforating the floor of the pulp chamber provides a route for early revascularization, resulting in better pulpal healing after tooth replantation.

Epithelial plasticity enhances regeneration of committed taste receptor cells following nerve injury

Taste receptor cells are taste bud epithelial cells that are dependent upon the innervating nerve for continuous renewal and are maintained by resident tissue stem/progenitor cells. Transection of the innervating nerve causes degeneration of taste buds and taste receptor cells. However, a subset of the taste receptor cells is maintained without nerve contact after glossopharyngeal nerve transection in the circumvallate papilla in adult mice. Here, we revealed that injury caused by glossopharyngeal nerve transection triggers the remaining differentiated K8-positive taste receptor cells to dedifferentiate and acquire transient progenitor cell-like states during regeneration. Dedifferentiated taste receptor cells proliferate, express progenitor cell markers (K14, Sox2, PCNA) and form organoids in vitro. These data indicate that differentiated taste receptor cells can enter the cell cycle, acquire stemness, and participate in taste bud regeneration. We propose that dedifferentiated taste receptor cells in combination with stem/progenitor cells enhance the regeneration of taste buds following nerve injury.

Long-Term Effect of Modified Glass Ionomer Cement with Mimicked Biological Property of Recombinant Translationally Controlled Protein

This study modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) by adding mimicked biological molecules to reduce cell death. GIC was modified to BIOGIC by adding chitosan and bovine serum albumin for enhancing protein release. The BIOGIC was supplemented with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and recombinant translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) to improve its biological properties. Four groups of materials, GIC, BIOGIC, BIOGIC+TCP, and BIOGIC + TCP + TCTP, were examined by XRD and SEM-EDX. TCTP released from the specimens was determined by an ELISA method. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were harvested and analyzed by MTT assay, apoptosis, gene expression, and cell differentiation. All groups had the same crystallization characteristic peaks of La2O3. The elemental compositions composed of La, Si, and Al are the main inorganic components. The results show that BIOGIC + TCP + TCTP presented significantly higher percentages of cell viability than other groups on day 1 to day 23 (p < 0.05), but were not different after day 24 to day 41 and had reduced cell apoptosis including BAX, TPT1, BCL-2, and Caspase-3. The BIOGIC + TCP + TCTP demonstrated higher odontoblast mineralization and differentiation markers including ALP activity, DSPP, DMP-1, ALP, BMP-2, and OPN. It enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation as well as mineralization with down-regulation of genes related to apoptosis compared with other groups.

Role of the Demethylase AlkB Homolog H5 in the Promotion of Dentinogenesis

Dentinogenesis is a key process in tooth formation and is regulated by a series of pre- and post-transcriptional regulations. N6-methyl-adenosine (m⁶A), which is the most prevalent internal chemical modification that can be removed by the RNA demethylase AlkB homolog H5 (ALKBH5), has recently been reported to be involved in several biological processes. However, the exact function of ALKBH5-mediated m⁶A modification in tooth development remains unclear. Here, we showed that Alkbh5 was expressed in pre-odontoblasts, polarizing odontoblasts, and secretory odontoblasts. Alkbh5 overexpression in the mouse dental papilla cell line mDPC6T promoted odontoblastic differentiation. Conditional knockout of Alkbh5 in Dmp1-expressing odontoblasts led to a decrease in number of odontoblasts and increased pre-dentin formation. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing and m⁶A sequencing of Alkbh5-overexpressing mDPC6T cells revealed that Alkbh5 promoted odontoblast differentiation by prolonging the half-life of Runx2 transcripts in an m⁶A-dependent manner and by activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. Notably, the loss of Alkbh5 expression in odontoblasts impaired tertiary dentin formation in vivo. These results suggested that the RNA demethylase ALKBH5 plays a role in dentinogenesis.

A customized metal guide for controllable modification of anterior teeth contour prior to minimally invasive preparation

Objective

Optimal tooth reduction is a key requirement for aesthetics, function, and the longevity of fixed restorations. Research has demonstrated that controlled and conservative tooth preparation is crucial for the long-term success of adhesive restorations. Different techniques of fabricating reduction guides have been previously reported in literature. The present technical note describes the fabrication technique and clinical application of a customized metal preparation reduction guide.

Material and method

Patient presented with tilted maxillary left central incisor. The flared-out part of the tooth was modified prior to veneer restoration preparation. Resin pattern reduction guide was fabricated on the diagnostic cast with a window on the tilted mesial portion of the tooth. After intraoral evaluation, resin pattern guide was casted. Metal reduction guide was place intraorally and reduction was provided on the exposed surface of the tooth. After the removal of the tilted portion, a harmonious arch form allowed the clinician to provide adequate evaluation and preparation for veneer restorations.

Results

The device demonstrated good practical value, allowing for selective and controlled reduction of tooth structure, and definitive protection of adjacent tooth surfaces from iatrogenic damage. The clinical outcome successfully addressed the patient's restorative and aesthetic needs, and the veneer was stable 2 years postoperatively.

Conclusion

Use of a metal guide assists clinicians to provide a more predictable reduction of a desired tooth surface, while decreasing the risk of compromising the other/adjacent tooth surfaces.

Odontoblast death drives cell-rich zone-derived dental tissue regeneration

Severe dental tissue damage induces odontoblast death, after which dental pulp stem and progenitor cells (DPSCs) differentiate into odontoblast-like cells, contributing to reparative dentin. However, the damage-induced mechanism that triggers this regeneration process is still not clear. We aimed to understand the effect of odontoblast death without hard tissue damage on dental regeneration. Herein, using a Cre/LoxP-based strategy, we demonstrated that cell-rich zone (CZ)-localizing Nestin-GFP-positive and Nestin-GFP-negative cells proliferate and differentiate into odontoblast-like cells in response to odontoblast depletion. The regenerated odontoblast-like cells played a role in reparative dentin formation. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the expression of odontoblast differentiation- and activation-related genes was upregulated in the pulp in response to odontoblast depletion even without damage to dental tissue. In this regenerative process, the expression of type I parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) increased in the odontoblast-depleted pulp, thereby boosting dentin formation. The levels of PTH1R and its downstream mediator, i.e., phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (Ser133) increased in the physically damaged pulp. Collectively, odontoblast death triggered the PTH1R cascade, which may represent a therapeutic target for inducing CZ-mediated dental regeneration.

The Role of Dendritic Cells during Physiological and Pathological Dentinogenesis

The dental pulp is a soft connective tissue of ectomesenchymal origin that harbors distinct cell populations, capable of interacting with each other to maintain the vitality of the tooth. After tooth injuries, a sequence of complex biological events takes place in the pulpal tissue to restore its homeostasis. The pulpal response begins with establishing an inflammatory reaction that leads to the formation of a matrix of reactionary or reparative dentin, according to the nature of the exogenous stimuli. Using several in vivo designs, antigen-presenting cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), are identified in the pulpal tissue before tertiary dentin deposition under the afflicted area. However, the precise nature of this phenomenon and its relationship to inherent pulp cells are not yet clarified. This literature review aims to discuss the role of pulpal DCs and their relationship to progenitor/stem cells, odontoblasts or odontoblast-like cells, and other immunocompetent cells during physiological and pathological dentinogenesis. The concept of “dentin-pulp immunology” is proposed for understanding the crosstalk among these cell types after tooth injuries, and the possibility of immune-based therapies is introduced to accelerate pulpal healing after exogenous stimuli.

Activation of Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 and Vanilloid 1 Channels Promotes Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Cells

INTRODUCTION

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) are thermosensitive channels that play an important role in thermal sensation or tooth pain by regulating intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration that is essential for pulp tissue repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels in the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs).

METHODS

HDPCs were isolated from healthy human intact third molars and cultured in odontogenic differentiation medium. Gene and protein expression levels of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels during the odontogenic differentiation of HDPCs were evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. HDPCs were then treated with channel agonists or antagonists, and the expression levels of odontogenic markers dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteopontin (OPN) were examined. Alkaline phosphatase activity and alizarin red staining were also conducted to detect mineralization levels.

RESULTS

Consistent with the mineralization degree and DSPP and OPN expression, messenger RNA and protein expression of TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels was up-regulated during the odontogenic differentiation of HDPCs. The application of TRPA1 or TRPV1 agonists increased the mineralized nodules of alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase activity and up-regulated the messenger RNA and protein expression of DSPP and OPN, respectively, with the highest values reached on the seventh day (P < .05). On the contrary, the mineralization level and DSPP and OPN expression could be suppressed by using the antagonists of these 2 channels.

CONCLUSIONS

TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels not only showed up-regulated expression along with the odontogenic differentiation of HDPCs but also could affect the odontogenic differentiation by regulating intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration.

The Sonic Hedgehog–Patched–Gli Signaling Pathway Maintains Dental Epithelial and Pulp Stem/Progenitor Cells and Regulates the Function of Odontoblasts

This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh)–Patched (Ptch)–Gli signaling pathway in maintaining dental epithelial and pulp stem/progenitor cells and regulating the function of odontoblasts. Doxycycline (dox)-inducible histone 2B (H2B)–green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice ingested dox at prenatal embryonic days 14.5 or 15.5 and their offspring were collected from postnatal day 1 (P1) to week 3 (P3W). Immunohistochemistry for Gli1, Ptch1, and Ptch2 andin situhybridization forShhandPtch1were conducted. Mandibular incisors of postnatal day 2 H2B-GFP transgenic and wild-type mice were cultivated in a nutrient medium with Shh antibody for 4 days and subsequently processed for immunohistochemistry for Sox2. In molars, dense H2B-GFP-label-retaining cells (H2B-GFP-LRCs) were densely distributed throughout the dental pulp during P1 to postnatal week 2 (P2W) and decreased in number by postnatal P3W, whereas the number of dense H2B-GFP-LRCs in the subodontoblastic layer increased in number at P2W. Gli1+and Pthc1+cells were distributed throughout the enamel organ and dental pulp, including the odontoblast and subodontoblastic layers.ShhmRNA was expressed in the inner enamel epithelium and shifted into odontoblasts after dentin deposition.Ptch1mRNA was expressed in the inner enamel epithelium and cuspal pulpal tissue on P1 and decreased in intensity from postnatal week 1 to P3W. In incisors, the apical bud contained H2B-GFP-LRCs, Gli1+cells, and Ptch1+cells. The addition of Shh antibody to explants induced a decrease in the number of Sox2+cells due to the increase in apoptotic cells in the apical bud. Thus, the Shh–Ptch–Gli signaling pathway plays a role in maintaining quiescent adult stem cells and regulating the function of odontoblasts.

Dentin Matrix Protein 1 Compensates for Lack of Osteopontin in Regulating Odontoblastlike Cell Differentiation after Tooth Injury in Mice

INTRODUCTION

Although dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and osteopontin (OPN) act as substrates and signaling molecules for odontoblastlike cell differentiation after tooth injury, the mutual interaction between these proteins in the mechanism of odontoblastlike cell differentiation remains to be clarified. This study aimed to elucidate the role of DMP1 and OPN in regulating odontoblastlike cell differentiation after tooth injury.

METHODS

A groove-shaped cavity was prepared on the mesial surface of the upper first molars in wild-type and Opn knockout (KO) mice. The demineralized paraffin sections were processed for immunohistochemistry for nestin and DMP1 and in situ hybridization for Dmp1. For the in vitro assay, the experiments of organ culture for evaluating dentin-pulp complex regeneration using small interfering RNA treatment were performed.

RESULTS

Once preexisting odontoblasts died, nestin-positive newly differentiated odontoblastlike cells were arranged along the pulp-dentin border and began to express DMP1/Dmp1. In Opn KO mice, the expression of DMP1/Dmp1 was up-regulated compared with that of wild-type mice. The in vitro assay showed that the gene suppression of Dmp1 by small interfering RNA showed a tendency to decrease the differentiation rate of odontoblastlike cells from 70.1% to 52.2% in wild-type teeth. In addition, the suppression of Dmp1 in Opn KO teeth tended to lead to the inhibition of odontoblastlike cell differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the expression of Dmp1 is up-regulated in Opn KO mice both in vivo and in vitro, and DMP1 compensates for the lack of OPN in regulating odontoblastlike cell differentiation after tooth injury.

The putative role of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein 5 independent of IGF in the maintenance of pulpal homeostasis in mice

Although insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) may play a crucial role in activating the functions of periodontal and bone marrow stem cells, the factors responsible for regulating the maintenance of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) remain to be clarified. This study aimed to elucidate the role of IGFBP5 in maintaining pulpal homeostasis during tooth development and pulpal healing after tooth injury in doxycycline-inducible TetOP-histone 2B (H2B)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice (GFP expression was induced at E14.5 or E15.5) by using TUNEL assay, RT-PCR, in situ hybridization for Igfbp5, and immunohistochemistry for IGFBP5, Nestin, and GFP. To observe the pulpal response to exogenous stimuli, the roots of the maxillary first molars were resected, and the coronal portion was autografted into the sublingual region. Intense IGFBP5/Igfbp5 expression was observed in cells from the center of the pulp tissue and the subodontoblastic layer in developing teeth during postnatal Week 4. Intense H2B-GFP-expressing label-retaining cells (LRCs) were localized in the subodontoblastic layer in addition to the center of the pulp tissue, suggesting that slowly dividing cell populations reside in these areas. During postoperative days 3–7, the LRCs were maintained in the dental pulp, showed an IGFBP5-positve reaction in their nuclei, and lacked a TUNEL-positive reaction. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR analyses confirmed the expression of Igfbp5 in the dental pulp. These findings suggest that IGFBP5 play a pivotal role in regulating the survival and apoptosis of DPSCs during both tooth development and pulpal healing following tooth injury.

Essential Role of IFT140 in Promoting Dentinogenesis

Primary cilia, with highly regulated cellular sensory functions, play key roles in tissue development and function maintenance. Intraflagellar transport 140 (IFT140) is a subunit of IFT complex A, which is specialized for retrograde transportation in cilia. Mutations of Ift140 are usually associated with syndromic ciliopathy and may cause isolated diseases such as retinal dystrophy, short ribs, and polycystic kidney. However, the role of IFT140 in tooth development has not been well investigated. In this study, a close relationship between IFT140 and dentin formation is disclosed. During tooth development, IFT140 was highly expressed in odontoblasts. To further understand the role of IFT140 in dentinogenesis, Ift140^flox/flox/Osx-Cre mouse was generated. The dentin thickness of Ift140^flox/flox/Osx-Cre mouse is thinner and the dentin formation is slower than that in control. In vitro, deletion of IFT140 in odontoblasts led to poor odontogenic differentiation, abnormal primary cilia, and decreased Sonic hedgehog signaling molecules. More important, due to loss of primary cilia in odontoblasts by IFT140 deletion, reparative dentin formation was impaired in a tooth-drilling model. These results suggest that cilia gene IFT140 is essential in promoting dentin formation and reparation.

Novel role of zonula occludens-1: A tight junction protein closely associated with the odontoblast differentiation of human dental pulp cells

Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), a tight junction protein, contributes to the maintenance of the polarity of odontoblasts and junctional complex formation in odontoblast layer during tooth development. However, expression and possible role of ZO-1 in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) during repair process remains unknown. Here, we investigated the expression of ZO-1 in hDPCs and the relationship with odontoblast differentiation. We found the processes of two adjacent cells were fused and formed junction-like structure using scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence immunoassay and Western blot confirmed ZO-1 expression in hDPCs. Especially, ZO-1 was high expressed at the cell-cell junction sites. More interestingly, ZO-1 accumulated at the leading edge of lamellipodia in migrating cells when a scratch assay was performed. Furthermore, ZO-1 gradual increased during odontoblast differentiation and ZO-1 silencing greatly inhibited the differentiation. ZO-1 binds directly to actin filaments and RhoA/ROCK signaling mainly regulates cell cytoskeleton, thus RhoA/ROCK might play a role in regulating ZO-1. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and Y-27632 were used to activate and inhibit RhoA/ROCK signaling, respectively, with or without mineralizing medium. In normal cultured hDPCs, RhoA activation increased ZO-1 expression and especially in intercellular contacts, whereas ROCK inhibition attenuated the effects induced by LPA. However, expression of ZO-1 was upregulated by Y-27632 but not significantly affected by LPA after odontoblast differentiation. Hence, ZO-1 highly expresses in cell-cell junctions and is related to odontoblast differentiation, which may contribute to dental pulp repair or even the formation of an odontoblast layer. RhoA/ROCK signaling is involved in the regulation of ZO-1.

Osteopontin Is Essential for Type I Collagen Secretion in Reparative Dentin

Osteopontin (OPN) is a highly phosphorylated glycoprotein that is a prominent component of the mineralized extracellular matrix of bone. The secretion of OPN by immunocompetent cells plays a role in the differentiation of odontoblast-like cells during pulpal healing following tooth transplantation. This study aimed to clarify the role of OPN during reparative dentinogenesis. A groove-shaped cavity was prepared on the mesial surface of the upper first molars of wild-type (WT) and Opn knockout (KO) mice, and the samples were collected at intervals of 1 to 14 d. The demineralized sections were processed for immunohistochemistry for Ki67, nestin, OPN, dentin sialoprotein (DSP), integrin αvβ3, and type I collagen; in situ hybridization for Opn, col1a1, and dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp); and apoptosis assay. For the loss and gain of function experiments, an in vitro culture assay for evaluating dentin-pulp complex regeneration was performed. On day 1 in WT mice, odontoblasts beneath the affected dentin lost nestin immunoreactivity. On day 3, the expression of Opn was recognized at the mesial dental pulp, and OPN was deposited along the predentin-dentin border. Nestin-positive newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells expressed both Dspp and col1a1 and showed positive immunoreactivity for integrin αvβ3, DSP, and type I collagen. Until day 14, reparative dentin formation continued next to the preexisting dentin at the mesial coronal pulp. In contrast, there was no reparative dentin in the Opn KO mice where nestin- and DSP-positive newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells lacked immunoreaction for type I collagen. The in vitro organ culture demonstrated that the administration of recombinant OPN rescued the type I collagen secretion by odontoblast-like cells in the Opn KO mice. The results suggested that the deposition of OPN at the calcification front is essential for the type I collagen secretion by newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells to form reparative dentin during pulpal healing following cavity preparation.

Remission for Loss of Odontogenic Potential in a New Micromilieu In Vitro

During embryonic organogenesis, the odontogenic potential resides in dental mesenchyme from the bud stage until birth. Mouse dental mesenchymal cells (mDMCs) isolated from the inductive dental mesenchyme of developing molars are frequently used in the context of tooth development and regeneration. We wondered if and how the odontogenic potential could be retained when mDMCs were cultured in vitro. In the present study, we undertook to test the odontogenic potential of cultured mDMCs and attempted to maintain the potential during culturing. We found that cultured mDMCs could retain the odontogenic potential for 24 h with a ratio of 60% for tooth formation, but mDMCs were incapable of supporting tooth formation after more than 24 h in culture. This loss of odontogenic potential was accompanied by widespread transcriptomic alteration and, specifically, the downregulation of some dental mesenchyme-specific genes, such as Pax9, Msx1, and Pdgfrα. To prolong the odontogenic potential of mDMCs in vitro, we then cultured mDMCs in a serum-free medium with Knockout Serum Replacement (KSR) and growth factors (fibroblastic growth factor 2 and epidermal growth factor). In this new micromilieu, mDMCs could maintain the odontogenic potential for 48 h with tooth formation ratio of 50%. Moreover, mDMCs cultured in KSR-supplemented medium gave rise to tooth-like structures when recombined with non-dental second-arch epithelium. Among the supplements, KSR is essential for the survival and adhesion of mDMCs, and both Egf and Fgf2 induced the expression of certain dental mesenchyme-related genes. Taken together, our results demonstrated that the transcriptomic changes responded to the alteration of odontogenic potential in cultured mDMCs and a new micromilieu partly retained this potential in vitro, providing insight into the long-term maintenance of odontogenic potential in mDMCs.

Contribution of Donor and Host Mesenchyme to the Transplanted Tooth Germs

Autologous tooth germ transplantation of immature teeth is an alternative method of tooth replacement that could be used instead of dental implants in younger patients. However, it is paramount that the dental pulp remain vital and that root formation continue in the transplanted location. The goal of this study is to characterize the healing of allogenic tooth grafts in an animal model using GFP-labeled donor or host postnatal mice. In addition, the putative stem cells were labeled before transplantation with a pulse-chase paradigm. Transplanted molars formed cusps and roots and erupted into occlusion by 2 wk postoperatively. Host label-retaining cells (LRCs) were maintained in the center of pulp tissue associating with blood vessels. Dual labeling showed that a proportion of LRCs were incorporated into the odontoblast layer. Host cells, including putative dendritic cells and the endothelium, also immigrated into the pulp tissue but did not contribute to the odontoblast layer. Therefore, LRCs or putative mesenchymal stem cells are retained in the transplanted pulps. Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath remains vital, and epithelial LRCs are present in the donor cervical loops. Thus, the dynamic donor-host interaction occurred in the developing transplant, suggesting that these changes affect the characteristics of the dental pulp.

Effects of a triple antibiotic solution on pulpal dynamics after intentionally delayed tooth replantation in mice

INTRODUCTION

This study analyzed the detailed biological events underlying pulpal dynamics evoked by 3Mix (the mixture of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline) solution after intentionally delayed tooth replantation because 3Mix improves pulpal healing after tooth injuries.

METHODS

The maxillary first molars of 3-week-old mice were extracted and immersed in 3Mix solution for 30 minutes in comparison with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) alone. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation were assessed in extracted/replanted teeth during days 0-14 using immunohistochemistry, apoptosis assay, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

3Mix solution accelerated odontoblast differentiation in the coronal pulp on day 7 and tertiary dentin formation on day 14, whereas the regenerative process was delayed in the PBS group. Cell proliferation and apoptosis occurred in the pulp of the 3Mix group during days 5-7 and subsequently decreased from days 7-14. On day 5, dentin sialophosphoprotein and nestin were first recovered in the 3Mix group, whereas expression levels for alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, and osteocalcin increased in the PBS group. The expression levels for octamer-binding factor 3/4A and 3/4B reached the maximum level on day 1 and were sharply decreased on day 3 in both groups. High expression levels of Cd11c were first observed in the 3Mix group on day 1 and later at days 5 and 7.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that the application of 3Mix may suppress osteoblast differentiation by the migration of dendritic cells to the injury site and via the activation of stem/progenitor cells, resulting in the acceleration of odontoblastlike cell differentiation.

Allogenic tooth transplantation inhibits the maintenance of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells in mice

Our recent study suggested that allogenic tooth transplantation may affect the maintenance of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells. This study aims to elucidate the influence of allograft on the maintenance of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells following tooth replantation and allo- or auto-genic tooth transplantation in mice using BrdU chasing, immunohistochemistry for BrdU, nestin and Ki67, in situ hybridization for Dspp, transmission electron microscopy and TUNEL assay. Following extraction of the maxillary first molar in BrdU-labeled animals, the tooth was immediately repositioned in the original socket, or the roots were resected and immediately allo- or auto-grafted into the sublingual region in non-labeled or the same animals. In the control group, two types of BrdU label-retaining cells (LRCs) were distributed throughout the dental pulp: those with dense or those with granular reaction for BrdU. In the replants and autogenic transplants, dense LRCs remained in the center of dental pulp associating with the perivascular environment throughout the experimental period and possessed a proliferative capacity and maintained the differentiation capacity into the odontoblast-like cells or fibroblasts. In contrast, LRCs disappeared in the center of the pulp tissue by postoperative week 4 in the allografts. The disappearance of LRCs was attributed to the extensive apoptosis occurring significantly in LRCs except for the newly-differentiated odontoblast-like cells even in cases without immunological rejection. The results suggest that the host and recipient interaction in the allografts disturbs the maintenance of dense LRCs, presumably stem/progenitor cells, resulting in the disappearance of these cell types.