Prostacyclin Analog Promotes Human Dental Pulp Cell Migration via a Matrix Metalloproteinase 9-related Pathway

During dental pulp healing, progenitor cells migrate to the injured site. This study investigated the effect of iloprost (an exogenous prostacyclin [PGI₂]) on enhancing human dental pulp cell (HDPC) migration and its underlying mechanism.

HDPC migration was analyzed using a wound scratch assay. HDPCs were obtained from extracted teeth and cultured in the presence of iloprost for 24 and 72 hours. Immunofluorescent staining for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), quantitative polymerase chain reaction gene expression analysis, gelatin zymography, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of MMP-9 expression were performed. A PGI₂ (IP) antagonist, protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, and MMP-9 inhibitor were used to inhibit the IP receptor, PKA signaling pathway, and MMP-9 activity, respectively.

A mechanically applied scratch in HDPC cultures closed more rapidly in the presence of iloprost. This result coincided with increased MMP-9 messenger RNA and protein expression and higher gelatinase activity. These iloprost-enhanced effects were inhibited by an IP receptor antagonist or a PKA inhibitor. Forskolin, a PKA activator, increased MMP-9 expression concomitant with increased migration. The application of a selective MMP-9 inhibitor resulted in decreased iloprost-induced migration.

MMPs play an important role in cell migration by degrading components of the extracellular matrix. In this study, iloprost accelerated HDPC migration in a wound scratch assay. MMP-9 expression was increased concomitantly by iloprost and appeared to be mediated by the IP-PKA pathway. These observations suggest that iloprost may enhance dental pulp tissue healing by up-regulating MMP-9. The PGI₂ analog might be a promising biomolecule in dental pulp regenerative treatment.