Expression of intermediate filaments and actins in human dental pulp and embryonic dental papilla

The localization of different cytoskeletal proteins (keratin, vimentin, desmin, actin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin) was examined by immunohistochemistry in normal human adult dental pulp and compared with dental papilla of tooth germs. Keratin and actin were localized in enamel organ. Vimentin and actin were observed in the dental papilla and in the adult dental pulp. Desmin and alpha-smooth muscle actin were present only in the vessel walls. These data are discussed paying particular attention to the origin and the peculiar functional characters of the dental papilla and pulp.