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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
Isolation, Characterization and MicroRNA-based Genetic Modification of Human Dental Follicle Stem Cells
Published on: November 16, 2018
Endothelial expression of c-kit and CD68 in dental follicles of human impacted third molars
M C Rusu1, A Rașcu2, M D Stoenescu2
1Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Dental Medicine, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. anatomon@gmail.com.
Background:
Periodontal tissue remnants of odontogenesis constitute the dental follicle (DF) which is actually considered a stem niche in adults. However, potentialities of local endothelia within this niche seem overlooked. We thus aimed at testing the endothelial cells expression of c-kit, the progenitor cells marker, and CD68, commonly regarded as a monocyte/macrophage marker, in human DFs.
Materials And Methods:
We performed an immunohistochemical study using these two markers which were applied on samples collected from ten adult patients.
Results:
The markers were positively expressed in endothelial cells, as well as in spindle-shaped stromal cells of the DF.
Conclusions:
The origin of DF stem or progenitor cells needs reviewing in the light of these findings, as endothelium could be a donor site for niche inhabitants.
