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Apoptosis in human and rat dental pulp
L Vermelin1, S Lécolle, D Septier
1Laboratoire de Biologie et Biomatériaux du Milieu Buccal et Osseux, Facultéde Chirurgie Dentaire Paris V, Montrouge, France.
European Journal of Oral Sciences
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, occurs in healthy dental pulp. This process, identified using TUNEL and antibody methods, likely regulates pulp cell populations.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Dental Research
- Histology
Background:
- The dental pulp is a complex connective tissue housing various cell types.
- Understanding cell turnover mechanisms is crucial for pulp health and regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and distribution of apoptotic cells within healthy human and rat dental pulps.
- To elucidate the role of apoptosis in regulating dental pulp cell populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling) assay to detect DNA strand breaks.
- Employed anti-transglutaminase antibody labeling to identify apoptotic cells.
- Performed electron microscopy to examine nuclear morphology and cellular debris.
Main Results:
- Apoptotic cells were identified primarily at the pulp periphery, particularly in sub-odontoblastic regions.
- Apoptosis was more prevalent in the coronal pulp compared to the root pulp.
- Electron microscopy confirmed chromatin condensation and observed cell debris consistent with apoptotic bodies.
Conclusions:
- Multiple methods confirm the occurrence of apoptosis in healthy dental pulp.
- Apoptosis is likely a significant mechanism for regulating cell numbers within the dental pulp.
- These findings contribute to understanding the dynamic nature of dental pulp tissue.