Electrophysiological properties of human dental pulp cells

Resting membrane potentials and electrotonic potentials of human dental pulp cells (peripheral and inner cells) were recorded from intracellular measurements. The results show a high resting membrane potential (- 80 mV) for peripheral cells and a low resting membrane potential (- 30 mV) for inner cells. The peripheral cells present rectification properties (outward going rectification and delayed rectification) and a negative post potential at the end of the depolarizing current. These properties are similar to those found in some receptor cells. On the basis of their morphological characteristics, these peripheral cells are compared to odontoblasts in their early stage of development.