Abstract
BackgroundThe revitalization or regeneration of the dental pulp is a preferable goal in current endodontic research. In this study, human dental pulp cell (DPC) spheres were applied to human root canal samples to evaluate their potential adoption for physiological tissue-like regeneration of the dental root canal by odontoblastic differentiation as well as cell-induced mineral formation.MethodsDPC were cultivated into three-dimensional cell spheres and seeded on human root canal specimens. The evaluation of sphere formation, tissue-like behavior and differentiation as well as mineral formation of the cells was carried out with the aid of optical light microscopy, immunohistochemical staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).ResultsSpheres and cells migrated out of the spheres showed an intense cell-cell- and cell-dentin-contact with the formation of extra cellular matrix. In addition, the ingrowth of cell processes into dentinal tubules and the interaction of cell processes with the tubule walls were detected by SEM-imaging. Immunohistochemical staining of the odontoblast specific matrix proteins, dentin matrix protein-1, and dentin sialoprotein revealed an odontoblast-like cell differentiation in contact with the dentin surface. This differentiation was confirmed by SEM-imaging of cells with an odontoblast specific phenotype and cell induced mineral formation.ConclusionsThe results of the present study reveal the high potential of pulp cells organized in spheres for dental tissue engineering. The odontoblast-like differentiation and the cell induced mineral formation display the possibility of a complete or partial “dentinal filling” of the root canal and the opportunity to combine this method with other current strategies.
Highlights
The revitalization or regeneration of the dental pulp is a preferable goal in current endodontic research
Human root canal preparation In order to investigate the interactions between pulp spheres/−cells and the root canal dentin surface, human incisors, premolars and molars of donors at the age of 25–50 were extracted during routine surgical treatment
In the present study, a physiological interaction between dental pulp cell (DPC) and the human dentin surface was revealed by scanning electron microscopy, and an odontoblastic differentiation of human pulp cell spheres was proven by immunohistochemical staining of Dentin matrix protein (DMP)-1 and dentin sialoprotein (DSP)
Summary
The revitalization or regeneration of the dental pulp is a preferable goal in current endodontic research. Human dental pulp cell (DPC) spheres were applied to human root canal samples to evaluate their potential adoption for physiological tissue-like regeneration of the dental root canal by odontoblastic differentiation as well as cell-induced mineral formation. Crucial basic functions of the pulp such as humidification and dentin formation, pain transmission, the immunological. To improve this conventional treatment method, a further and very promising approach is the regeneration of pulp tissue using tissue specific cells (pulp stem cells or progenitor cells with stem cell characteristics) [1]. Over the past few years, stem cells derived from different dental tissues (e.g. the apical papilla, the periodontal ligament and the dental follicle) were isolated and demonstrated their potential for differentiation into different tissue cell types [2].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
