[Observation of multi-directional differentiation capability of dental papilla cells]
Heng Zhuang1, Yan Jin, Xiao-ying Zou
1Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China.
Objective:
To study the types of progenitors in dental papilla cells(DPCs) and their differentiation characteristics.
Methods:
DPCs of the mandibular first molars of four-day post-natal SD rats were isolated and cultured. The expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP) were detected using DAB kit. E11 mandible primordias, tooth germs of the mandibular first molars of one-day post-natal SD rats, were isolated and transplanted under renal capsule respectively to observe whether they could survive and continue to develop. Then the pellets with and without dissociated enamel organ were transplanted under renal capsule for 24 days.
Results:
Cultured DPCs could express positive OCN and DSP. After transplantation, the mandible primordias developed into cap stage. The continuous genesis of dentin and enamel increased the size of tooth germs. DPCs pellets formed dentin-like and bone-like structures, while pellets with enamel organ formed only dentin-like tissue adjacent to the frames.
Conclusion:
There are different progenitors residing in DPCs. The differentiation was closely related to the surrounding environment.
