• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.42 no.4
• /
• pp.169-174
• /
• 2017

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) plays a crucial role in innocuous cool sensation, acute cold pain and cold-induced hyperalgesia during pathologic conditions. To help understand TRPM8-mediated cold perception in the dental pulp and periodontal tissues, we examined the distribution of TRPM8-immunopositive (+) axons in molar and incisor pulp and periodontal tissues using transgenic mice expressing a genetically encoded axonal tracer in TRPM8+ neurons. In the radicular pulp of the molar teeth, a small number of TRPM8+ axons were observed. TRPM8+ axons branched frequently and extensively in the core of coronal pulp, forming a network in the peripheral pulp. Some TRPM8+ axons ascended between odontoblasts and were observed in the dentinal tubule. TRPM8+ axons were linear-shaped in the radicular pulp, whereas many TRPM8+ axons showed portions shaped like beads connected with thin axonal stands at the peripheral pulp. TRPM8 was densely expressed in the bead portions. In the incisor pulp, TRPM8+ axons were occasionally observed in the core of the coronal pulp and rarely observed at the peripheral pulp. TRPM8+ axons were occasionally observed and showed a linear shape rather than a bead-like appearance in the periodontal ligament and lamina propria of the gingival tissue. These findings, showing differential distribution of TRPM8+ axons between radicular and coronal portions of the molar pulp, between incisor and molar pulp, and between dental pulp and periodontal tissues, may reflect differential cold sensitivity in these regions.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.87-109
• /
• 1998

The present study was designed to elucidate the effects of the Co-60 γ irradiation and/or calcium­deficient diet on the dentin and cementum formation of rat molar. The pregnant three-week old Sprague­Dawley rats were used for the study. The experimental group was divided into two groups, irradiation/normal diet group and irradiation/calcium-deficient diet group. The control group was non­irradiation/normal diet group. The abdomen of the rats at the 19th day of pregnancy were irradiated with single absorbed dose of 350cGy. The rat pups were sacrificed on the 14th day after delivery and the maxillae including molar tooth germ were taken. The specimens including the 1st molar tooth germ were prepared to make tissue sections for light and transmission electron microscopy. Some of tissue sections for light microscopy were stained immunohistochemically with anti-fibronectin antibody. The results were as follows; 1. The Hertwig's epithelial root sheath cells, which are related to the differentiation of the tooth-forming cells, showed irregular cellular arrangement, decrease of intercellular junctional complex, and decreased immunoreactivity to the fibronectin after irradiation. These were more severe in the irradiation/calcium-deficient diet group. 2. The cementoblasts at the cementum-forming area showed chromatin clumpings after irradiation. The immu noreactivity to the fibronectin was weaken after irradiation, especially irradiation/calcium-deficient diet group. 3. The odontoblasts at the dentin-forming area showed increase of lysosomes in the cytoplasm and destruction of intercellular junctional complex. The irradiation/calcium-deficient diet group showed decrease of number and density of the electron dense particles and a large number of vacuoles scattered in the dentin matrix. The immunoreactivity was weaken.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.289-298
• /
• 2000

Carbamide peroxide is usually used for vital teeth bleaching at home. Complications such as tooth hypersensitivity and/or gingival irritation are frequently reported. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate any possible histological changes in pulp and periodontal tissue by carbamide peroxide bleaching gel in rats. 10% and 15% carbamide peroxide containing nightguard for upper molar were worn for 4 hours a day. The rats were sacrificed after 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days and 6 days application of carbamide peroxide respectively. The results were as follows : Mild infiltration of inflammatory changes below the junctional epithelium and hyperplasia of epithelium were observed in both 10% and 15% carbamide peroxide treated groups. In all experimental groups, odontoblasts were changed from columnar to cuboidal shape and/or obliterated and the focal loss of predentin was observed in pulp horn. With increasing time of application, these changes were more remarkable, but limited in pulp horn. Inflammatory reactions, vacuolar changes and hyaline degenerations of the pup tissue were also observed in some cases. These results suggested that carbamide peroxide gel used in home bleaching could cause reversible pulpal irritation.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.23 no.1
• /
• pp.20-42
• /
• 1998

The present study was designed to understand the basic principles of the laser system and to assess the optimal coditions of the Nd:YAG laser irradiation system in order to expand the use of the laser system in the dental field. The laser system used in this study was a pulsed-wave output type and the power level is 9 watts. The incisors of developing rats were irradiated with the laser system explained above for 0.5, 1, and 2 seconds giving energy density 71, 167, and 215 J/$cm^2$ respectively. The rats were sacrificed just after irradiation or 10 minutes and 10 days after irradiation. The specimens were examined with the stereoscope, light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The results are as follows: 1. The tissue removal efficiency (depth of the cavity formed) is increased with the energy density after Nd:YAG laser irradiation. 2. The carbonized area is increased with the energy density. Cracks and melted appearance are seen in all kinds of the energy densities. 3. The lacunae in the damaged alveolar bone by the laser irradiation were empty, while those in the newly formed bone were occupied with the osteocytes. The damaged alveolar bone was repaired by the osteoblasts and macrophages on the periphery of the bone matrix. 4. The damaged enamel was replaced by the loose connective tissues showing many kinds of cells. The ameloblasts were differntiated on the replaced loose connective tissue. 5. The damaged dentin was repaired by the irregular dentin formed by the odontoblasts differentiated from the mesenchymal cells migrated from the pulp core.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.83-88
• /
• 2020

Purpose: Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (MSTN) are closely-related transforming growth factor β family members reported to play crucial roles in bone formation. We previously reported that, in contrast to MSTN, GDF11 promotes osteogenesis of vertebrae and limbs. GDF11 has been also reported as an important regulator in tooth development by inducing differentiation of pulp stem cells into odontoblasts for reparative dentin formation. The goal of this study was to investigate the differential roles of GDF11 and MSTN in dental and cranial bone formation. Methods: Micro-computed tomography analysis was performed on cranial bones, including frontal, parietal, and interparietal bones, and lower incisors of wild-type, Gdf11 knockout (Gdf11-/-), and Mstn knockout (Mstn-/-) mice. Tissue volume, thickness, and mineral density were evaluated for both cranial bone and lower incisors. Lower incisor lengths were also measured. Because Gdf11-/- mice die shortly after birth, analysis was performed on newborn (P0) mice. Results: Compared to those of Mstn-/- mice, cranial bone volume, thickness, and mineral density levels were all significantly diminished in Gdf11-/- mice. Tissue mineral density of Gdf11-/- mice were also significantly decreased compared to wild-type mice. Likewise, lower incisor length, tissue volume, thickness, and mineral density levels were all significantly reduced in Gdf11-/- mice compared to Mstn-/- mice. Incisor length was also significantly decreased in Gdf11-/- mice compared to wild-type mice. Mstn-/- mice exhibited mildly increased levels of tissue volume, thickness, and density in cranial bone and lower incisor compared to wild-type mice although statistically not significant. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that GDF11, unlike MSTN, endogenously promotes cranial bone and tooth development.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.12.1-12.11
• /
• 2023

Objectives: The present study evaluated the pulp response of human mandibular incisors subjected to in-office dental bleaching using gels with medium or high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP). Materials and Methods: The following groups were compared: 35% HP (HP35; n = 5) or 20% HP (HP20; n = 4). In the control group (CONT; n = 2), no dental bleaching was performed. The color change (CC) was registered at baseline and after 2 days using the Vita Classical shade guide. Tooth sensitivity (TS) was also recorded for 2 days post-bleaching. The teeth were extracted 2 days after the clinical procedure and subjected to histological analysis. The CC and overall scores for histological evaluation were evaluated by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. The percentage of patients with TS was evaluated by the Fisher exact test (α = 0.05). Results: The CC and TS of the HP35 group were significantly higher than those of the CONT group (p < 0.05) and the HP20 group showed an intermediate response, without significant differences from either the HP35 or CONT group (p > 0.05). In both experimental groups, the coronal pulp tissue exhibited partial necrosis associated with tertiary dentin deposition. Overall, the subjacent pulp tissue exhibited a mild inflammatory response. Conclusions: In-office bleaching therapies using bleaching gels with 20% or 35% HP caused similar pulp damage to the mandibular incisors, characterized by partial necrosis, tertiary dentin deposition, and mild inflammation.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
• /
• v.49 no.2
• /
• pp.48-52
• /
• 2024

This study explores the histological features and Bmp4 expression patterns in the replaced tooth germ of Xenopus laevis. Tooth germ formation starts from the dental placode through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, involving various signaling pathways such as Fgf, Shh, Bmp, and Wnt. In mice, Bmp4 expression in the dental placode inhibits Pax9 expression in the dental mesenchyme. Although absent in the presumptive dental lamina of birds and toothless mammals, Bmp4 remains conserved in reptiles and fish owing to gene duplication. However, its expression in amphibian tooth germs is poorly understood. Three-month-old X. laevis were employed in this study. Initially, samples underwent paraffin embedding and were sectioned into 5 or 12 ㎛ ribbons for H&E staining and in situ hybridization, respectively. Results revealed teeth appearing in two maxillary rows: the labial side, with prefunctional and functional teeth, and the lingual side, with replaced tooth germs behind functional teeth. Enameloid was observed between the inner dental epithelium and dental mesenchyme at the cap or early bell stages, whereas enamel and dentin formed during the late bell or mineralization stages from the replaced tooth germ. Bmp4 expression was evident in the inner dental epithelium (ameloblasts), dental papilla (odontoblasts), stellate reticulum, and Hertwig's epithelial root sheath. Overall, these findings highlight the conservation of Bmp4 expression in X. laevis tooth development.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.95-104
• /
• 2024

Background: In healthy dentin conditions, odontoblasts have an important role such as protection from invasion of pathogens. In mammalian teeth, progenitors such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate and differentiate into odontoblast-like cells, leading to the formation of reparative dentin. For differentiation using stem cells, it is crucial to provide conditions similar to the complex and intricate in vivo environment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of differentiation into odonto/osteoblasts, and compare co-culture with/without epithelial cells. Methods: MSCs and epithelial cells were successfully isolated from dental tissues. We investigated the influences of epithelial cells on the differentiation process of dental pulp stem cells into odonto/osteoblasts using co-culture systems. The differentiation potential with/without epithelial cells was analyzed for the expression of specific markers and calcium contents. Results: Differentiated odonto/osteoblast derived from dental pulp tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells with/without epithelial cells were evaluated by qRT-PCR, immunostaining, calcium content, and ALP staining. The expression of odonto/osteoblast-specific markers, calcium content, and ALP staining intensity were significantly increased in differentiated cells. Moreover, the odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity with epithelial cells co-culture was significantly higher than without epithelial cells co-culture. Conclusions: These results suggest that odonto/osteogenic differentiation co-cultured with epithelial cells has a more efficient application.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.355-362
• /
• 2002

One fifth dilution of formocresol is usually used for pulpotomy of the primary teeth and emergency pulpotomy of the permanent teeth. However the use of formaldehyde has been subjected to criticism because it may be absorbed into the blood stream and become distributed systemically, it nay also alter the pulp tissue rendering it immunologically active, and have carcinogenic potential. Recently Depulpin$^{\circledR}$(VoCo., Germany) gains popularity as a devitalizing agent during root canal therapy in spite of high concentration of 49 % paraformaldehyde because it facilitate devitalization of pulp and make root canal therapy easier But there have been not enough publications about the reaction of pulp and periapical tissue caused by Depulpin. This study was performed to evaluate the histological changes in pulp and periapical tissue of rats after pulpotomy using formocresol and Depulpin and to elucidate the toxic effects of these agents. Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine Maxillary first molar teeth were used for pulpotomy with formocresol and Depulpin. Rats were sacrificed after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Specimens were histologically observed by light microscope changes in pulp and periapical tissue. The obtained results were as follows. 1. Formocresol group A zone of fixed tissue. in which odontoblasts could clearly be defined, was present directly underneath the pulpotomy dressing in almost all teeth of this group. This was followed by an area of necrotic tissue which resembled dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular detail except some pyknotic nuclei. In the specimens of after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks in which vital tissue was present, it was separated from the fibrous area by a zone of inflammation. In the specimens of after 3 weeks and after 4 weeks, inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament adjacent to the apical foramina of the teeth. 2. Depulpin$^{\circledR}$ group The area of necrotic tissue which had no cells and fibers, was present adjacent to the dressing. This was followed by dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular details except some pyknotic nuclei, A short stump of vital pulp with odontoblasts was present at the end of the canal after 2 days. Inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament after 4 days and after 1week. Severe root resolution and necrosis of periapical tissue opposite the root resorption site were defined after 2 weeks and after 3 weeks. Periapical lesion which consist of necrotic tissue surrounded by a fibrous connective wall, was found after 4 weeks. The results indicated that Depulpin can cause more adverse reaction to the dental pulp and periapical tissue than formocresol, and further studies are needed for its clinical use with safety.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.28 no.5 s.70
• /
• pp.699-716
• /
• 1998

This study was designed to evaluate the expression of non-collagenous protein in periodontal tissue during the experimental movement of rat incisors, by LSAB(labelled streptavidine biotin) immunohistochemical staining for osteonectin and osteocalcin. Twenty seven Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control group(3 rats) and 6 experimental groups(24 rats) where 75g of force was applied from helical springs across the maxillary incisors. Rats of experimental groups were sacrificed at 12 hours, 1, 4, 7, 14 and 28 days after force application, respectively. And the tissues of a control group and experimental groups were studied immunohistochemically and histologically. The results were as follows : 1. Until 28 days after force application, periodontal fibers had been strectched on tension side and compressed in pressure side of all the experimental groups, and the arrangement of periodontal fibers had not been recovered yet. 2. The expression of osteonectin in control group was rare in dentin, cementum and osteocyte, and was mild in odontoblasts and matrix of alveolar bone. 3. The expression of osteocalcin in control group was negative in gingiva, osteoblasts, osteocyte and cementum, and was rare in predentin, capillaries in pulp and periodontal ligament and the matrix of alveolar bone. 4. There was no difference in the expression of osteocalcin or osteonectin in dentin, cementum, pulp, odontoblasts, between of control and of experimental groups. 5. The expression of osteonectin in intermaxillary suture got the peak in 7-day and was declined after 14-day. The expression of osteocalcin remained in a same degree since it became mild in 14-day. 6. The expression of osteonectin in pressure side of periodontal ligament of experimental group was rare, which was similar to control group. But in tension side, it was increased until 14-day aftrer which it was declined. 7. The expression of osteocalcin in periodntal ligament was rare in 12-hour to 14-day, but became severe in 28-day, which was greater in tension side than in pressure side, and in the periodontal fiber next to alveolar bone than to tooth surface. 8. The expression of osteocalcin in alveolar bone was rare until 14-day in pressure side, but became moderate in 28-day. The expression of osteonectin was increased from 7-day by time dependency, which was greater in tension side than in pressure side.