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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
07:07
Development of a Direct Pulp-capping Model for the Evaluation of Pulpal Wound Healing and Reparative Dentin Formation in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2017
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Dental pulp lymphatic vessel dynamics during tooth development and pulp stimulation in rodents
Kento Tazawa1,2, Di Chen3, Akira Fujimura4
1Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences, and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
International Endodontic Journal
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Lymphatic vessels (LV) are present in mouse dental pulp and contribute to fluid drainage. Transient pulp stimulation enhances LV function, indicating their role in maintaining dental tissue homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Oral Biology
- Vascular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lymphatic vessels (LV) in mammals are less understood than blood vessels.
- The existence of LV in dental pulp is controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify lymphatic vessels (LV) in mouse dental pulp.
- To investigate the function of pulpal LV in fluid drainage.
Main Methods:
- Used Prox1-eGFP transgenic mice and tissue-clearing techniques for whole-mount imaging.
- Differentiated LV from blood vessels using Dylight 594-lectin.
- Assessed fluid drainage by ink absorption in dental pulp.
Main Results:
- Abundant Prox1-eGFP+ LV were observed in early tooth development, decreasing in mature pulp.
- Transient pulp stimulation (TPS) increased LV number, diameter, and lumen continuity.
- Ink uptake demonstrated LV's role in fluid drainage, particularly after TPS.
Conclusions:
- Lymphatic vessels exist in mature dental pulp.
- Pulpal LV contribute to interstitial fluid drainage alongside extravascular pathways.
- LV function is modulated by transient pulp stimulation.
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