Decalcification-free technique for analysis of dental pulp tissue: histological and immunohistochemical analysis
Maria Teresa Hernandez-Solis1, Edith Lara-Carrillo2, Victor Hugo Toral-Rizo1
1Faculty of Dentistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
Background:
Histological techniques are essential for the microscopic study and investigation of human dental pulp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a decalcification-free technique by examining dental pulp morphology by histological staining with haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry.
Materials And Methods:
The sample consisted of 30 healthy third molars extracted for orthodontic indication. The pulp tissue was obtained by removing the mineralised tissues, separating the enamel and dentine and by marking with a flexible diamond disc on the coronal surface and longitudinal axis of the root. This made it possible to separate the fragments and obtain the pulp tissue for fixation and staining with H&E and subsequent immunohistochemistry with CD34 and S-100 antibodies.
Results:
The technique showed preservation of pulp morphology with adequate preservation of microscopic structures. No alterations in tissue viability were observed. The staining allowed an accurate assessment of vascular and nervous components by means of CD34 and S-100 markers, respectively.
Conclusions:
This technique allows preservation of pulp tissue, maintaining viable tissue for histological analysis and immunohistochemistry tests, as well as reducing sample processing time.
