Voltage-Gated calcium channels and nonvoltage-gated calcium uptake pathways in the rat incisor odontoblast plasma membrane

Odontoblasts participate actively in the transport and accumulation of Ca²⁺ ions to the mineralization front during dentinogenesis. These cells are known to carry membrane-bound ATP-driven pumps and Na⁺/Ca²⁺ antiports for Ca²⁺ extrusion, but little is known about Ca²⁺ influx mechanisms into these cells. It has been shown that the administration of Ca²⁺ channel blockers in vivo strongly impairs Ca²⁺ uptake in the mineral phase during dentinogenesis in the rat; the present in vitro study is aimed at further elucidating odontoblast Ca²⁺ uptake mechanisms. Dissected rat incisor odontoblasts exhibited a pronounced fluorescence when incubated with a fluorescently-labeled (STBodipy) dihydropyridine, which is specific for voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels of the L-type, and this binding was competitively abolished by nifedipine. As assayed by fluorescence spectrometry, odontoblast Ca²⁺ uptake was enhanced by the agonistic dihydropyridine BAYK-8644 (5 μM) as well as by plasma membrane depolarization in a high K⁺ (120 mM) medium. The Ca²⁺ uptake after depolarization was impaired by nifedipine (5 μM). When treated with the Ca²⁺-ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; 10 μM), a nonvoltage-gated uptake of ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ was identified. This uptake was not influenced by nifedipine (20 μM) but was impaired by lanthanum ions (200 μM). A nonvoltage-gated uptake of Mn²⁺ into CPA-treated cells could be traced using the fura-2 quenching technique. This CPA-induced Ca²⁺ flux was not caused by an alteration of the plasma membrane potential, as assayed with di-8-ANEPPS. The results demonstrate that Ca²⁺ flux into dentinogenically active odontoblasts occurs through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels of the L-type and by nonvoltage-gated, agonist-sensitive Ca²⁺ uptake pathways. Received: 6 November 1995 / Accepted: 21 February 1996     

成牙本质细胞中上游刺激因子1对骨桥素表达调控的研究

目的检测成牙本质细胞中上游刺激因子1（upstream stimulatory factor 1，USF1）对骨桥素表达的影响。方法培养成牙本质细胞MDPC-23，稳定转染PCMV-USF1和酸性-USF（A-USF）质粒，提取总RNA，半定量反转录聚合酶链反应检测骨桥素的表达水平，并对结果进行统计学分析。结果筛选出稳定转染USF1和A-USF的抗性克隆，USF1、A-USF转染组和对照组骨桥素相对灰度比值分别为：60．33％±4．51％、229．33％±7．09％、110．00％±15．62％，转染组与对照组差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论USF1可调控成牙本质细胞骨桥素mRNA转录，该作用被A-USF部分阻断。     

A modified glass ionomer cement to mediate dentine repair

ObjectivesGlass ionomer cements (GIC) can be used to protect dentine following caries removal. However, GIC have little biological activity on biological repair processes, which means that neo-dentine formation remains reliant on limited endogenous regenerative processes. Wnt/β-catenin signalling is known to play a central role in stimulating tertiary dentine formation following tooth damage and can be stimulated by a range of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) antagonists, including lithium ions.MethodsHere, we created lithium-containing bioactive glass (BG) by substituting lithium for sodium ions in 45S5 BG. We then replaced between 10 and 40% of the powder phase of a commercial GIC with the lithium-substituted BG to create a range of formulations of ‘LithGlassGIC’. In vitro physical properties of the resulting glasses were characterised and their ability to stimulate reactionary dentine formation in mouse molars in vivo was tested.ResultsLithium release from LithGlassGIC increased with increasing lithium content in the cement. In common with unmodified commercial GIC, all formations of LithGlassGIC showed in vitro toxicity when measured using an indirect cell culture assay based on ISO10993:5, precluding direct pulp contact. However, in a murine non-exposed pulp model of tooth damage, LithGlassGIC quickly released lithium ions, which could be transiently detected in the saliva and blood. LithGlassGIC also enhanced the formation of tertiary dentine, resulting in a thickening of the dentine at the damage site that restored lost dentine volume. Dentine regeneration was likely mediated by upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin activity, as LithGlassGIC placed in TCF/Lef:H2B-GFP reporter mice showed enhanced GFP activity.SignificanceWe conclude that LithGlassGIC acts as a biological restorative material that promotes tertiary dentine formation and restores tooth structure.     

Cytotoxicity and effect on protease activity of copolymer extracts containing catechin

ObjectiveTo evaluate cytotoxicity and effect on protease activity of epigallocatechin-gallate extracted from experimental restorative dental copolymers in comparison to the control compound chlorhexidine.MethodsCopolymer disks were prepared from bis-GMA/TEGDMA (70/30 mol%) containing no compound (control) or 1% w/w of either epigallocatechin-gallate or chlorhexidine. MDPC-23 odontoblast-like cells were seeded with the copolymer extracts leached out into deionized water. Cell metabolic activity was quantified by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at 24, 48, 72 h. Inhibition of protease activity by resin extracts was measured by a collagenolytic/genatinolytic enzyme activity assay and gelatin zymography. Data for MTT and protease inhibition were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey or Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05).ResultsThe MTT revealed that at 72 h, extracts from control (16.7%) and chlorhexidine (22.3%) copolymers induced significant reduction in cell metabolism (p < 0.05). All copolymer extracts caused enzymatic inhibition in a dose dependent manner (p < 0.01). Even when highly diluted, epigallocatechin-gallate extract had a significant antiproteolytic activity (p < 0.05). Zymograms showed that all extracts reduced activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (pro- and active forms), with MMP-9 exhibiting the highest percentage inhibition revealed by densitometry.ConclusionsEpigallocatechin-gallate and chlorhexidine extracts did not exert cytotoxicity on evaluated cells when compared to control extracts. Both compounds retained antiproteolytic activity after extraction from a dental copolymer.Clinical significanceOnce extracted from a dental copolymer, epigallocatechin-gallate is not cytotoxic and retains antiproteolytic activity. These results may allow incorporation of epigallocatechin-gallate as a natural-safe alternative to chlorhexidine in functionalized restorative materials.     

TGF-β Latency-Associated Peptides (LAPs) in Human Dentin Matrix and Pulp

Transforming growth factor (TGF)- &#103 s in dentin matrix provide a pool of bioactive molecules, but association with latency-associated peptides (LAPs) may influence their activity. We investigated TGF- &#103 1, - &#103 2, and - &#103 3 LAP expression in sound and carious human teeth. Teeth were fixed and processed immediately following extraction prior to staining with rabbit polyclonal antibodies to the TGF- &#103 LAPs. A soluble dentin matrix fraction was prepared from dissected human dentin and sequential extraction of pulpal ECM was performed prior to purification. Fractions were Western blotted and probed with the LAP antibodies. All three LAPs were present in odontoblasts, cells of the pulp, and predentin; however, no staining of mineralized dentin matrix was seen. Similar patterns of expression were seen in carious tissue. Expression of TGF- &#103 LAPs in cells and pulpal matrix of healthy and carious teeth will be important in regulation of TGF- &#103 activity and may modulate the tissue response to injury.     

Use of a triple antibiotic solution affects the healing process of intentionally delayed replanted teeth in mice

ObjectiveA mixture of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline (3Mix) has been reported to be effective against oral bacteria from carious and endodontic lesions in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to establish an animal model using mice for the application of 3Mix following intentionally delayed tooth replantation and to investigate the effects of 3Mix on the healing process of dental pulp and periodontal tissues.MethodsUpper first molars of ICR mice were extracted, immersed in 3Mix solution at different concentrations for 5–60 min with or without the use of a transfer solution (phosphate buffer solution (PBS)), in addition to transfer solution alone, and subsequently repositioned in the sockets. Immunohistochemistry for nestin and Ki-67, histochemistry for TRAP, and TUNEL assay were performed to assess pulpal healing during days 7–21.ResultsIncreased apoptosis was observed in the PBS group at week 1, followed by cell proliferation at week 2, and tertiary dentin and/or bone-like tissue formation at week 3. In contrast, nestin-positive, newly differentiated, odontoblast-like cells began to align along the pulp–dentin border following the appearance of Ki-67- and TUNEL-positive cells during weeks 1–2 in the 3Mix groups, suggesting that pulpal healing was accelerated. Severe root ankylosis was observed exclusively in the 3Mix groups. Rinsing with PBS before replantation partially rescued the viability of the periodontal ligament, but pulpal healing was delayed.ConclusionsThe application of 3Mix promotes pulpal regeneration of intentionally delayed replanted teeth; however, its use may induce severe damage to periodontal tissues.     

牙髓炎成牙本质细胞P2X7受体表达意义

目的探讨成牙本质细胞中P2X7受体(P2X7R)表达在牙髓炎发病及病情进展中的意义。方法取轻度牙髓炎、重度牙髓炎患者和健康者第三磨牙各20例,采用Real-time PCR法检测P2X7R mRNA表达水平,采用Western blotting法检测P2X7R蛋白表达水平;另采用ELISA法检测上述第三磨牙供者的血清样本中IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α等炎症因子水平。结果按健康组、轻度牙髓炎组、重度牙髓炎组的顺序,第三磨牙成牙本质细胞中P2X7R mRNA和蛋白表达水平均显著增高,患者血清中IL-1β、IL-6的水平显著增高;轻度牙髓炎患者血清中TNF-α与健康人比较,显著升高(P<0.05);但重度牙髓炎患者与轻度牙髓炎患者比较,血清中TNF-α则显著降低(P<0.05)。在轻度牙髓炎患者中,P2X7R mRNA表达与IL-1β水平显著正相关(P<0.05),P2X7R蛋白表达与IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α水平均呈正相关(P<0.05);在重度牙髓炎患者,P2X7R mRNA表达与IL-1β和IL-6水平均呈正相关(P<0.05),P2X7R蛋白表达与IL-1β和IL-6水平均呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论成牙本质细胞P2X7R表达在牙髓炎发病和病情进展过程中表达增高,且该过程伴随IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α等炎症因子表达增加。     

Concentrations of and application protocols for hydrogen peroxide bleaching gels: Effects on pulp cell viability and whitening efficacy

Objectives

To assess the whitening effectiveness and the trans-enamel/trans-dentinal toxicity of experimental tooth-bleaching protocols on pulp cells.

Methods

Enamel/dentine discs individually adapted to trans-well devices were placed on cultured odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23) or human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). The following groups were formed: G1 – no treatment (control); G2 to G4 – 35% H₂O₂, 3 × 15, 1 × 15, and 1 × 5 min, respectively; and G5 to G7 – 17.5% H₂O₂, 3 × 15, 1 × 15, and 1 × 5 min, respectively. Cell viability and morphology were evaluated immediately after bleaching (T1) and 72 h thereafter (T2). Oxidative stress and cell membrane damage were also assessed (T1). The amount of H₂O₂ in culture medium was quantified (Mann–Whitney; α = 5%) and colour change (ΔE) of enamel was analysed after 3 sessions (Tukey's test; α = 5%).

Results

Cell viability reduction, H₂O₂ diffusion, cell morphology alteration, oxidative stress, and cell membrane damage occurred in a concentration-/time-dependent fashion. The cell viability reduction was significant in all groups for HDPCs and only for G2, G3, and G5 in MDPC-23 cells compared with G1. Significant cell viability and morphology recovery were observed in all groups at T2, except for G2 in HDPCs. The highest ΔE value was found in G2. However, all groups presented significant ΔE increases compared with G1.

Conclusion

Shortening the contact time of a 35%-H₂O₂ gel for 5 min, or reducing its concentration to 17.5% and applying it for 45, 15, or 5 min produce gradual tooth colour change associated with reduced trans-enamel and trans-dentinal cytotoxicity to pulp cells.

Clinical significance

The experimental protocols tested in the present study provided significant tooth-bleaching improvement associated with decreased toxicity to pulp cells, which may be an interesting alternative to be tested in clinical situations intended to reduce tooth sensitivity and pulp damage.     

Antagonists of retinoic acid and BMP4 affect fetal mouse osteogenesis and odontoblast differentiation

Retinoic acid and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP4) are endogenous factors indispensable for the physiological development of vertebrates. The proximate aim of the present study was to investigate whether the natural compound citral (a retinoic acid synthesis inhibitor) and a monoclonal, anti-BMP4 antibody, administered to pregnant mice affect in the fetuses cranial osteogenesis and odontoblast differentiation. The present investigation was motivated by the fact that, retinoic acid inhibitors and BMP4 neutralizers may frequently contact human tissues (both intentional and unintentional, and/or unconsciously) inducing unanticipated effects. Our ultimate goal is the prevention of side effects and, future clinical implementation of the results. To this end, pregnant, white mice (balb-c Mus musculus) were intra-abdominally injected with either citral or anti-BMP4 antibody at the 9th gestational day. Newborns were processed within 5 h, postnatal. Results were evaluated (a) macroscopically, (b) stereoscopically, following histochemical double staining of cartilage and osseous tissues and, (c) microscopically after (c₁) histological staining of paraffin sections, and, (c₂) immunohistochemical detection of apoptosis. Data indicate that in vivo administration of citral (biomimicking hypovitaminosis A) caused restriction/retardation of cranial chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. Apoptosis was not detected in teeth tissues. In vivo administration of anti-BMP4 antibody resulted in a transitory interference with the normal course of odontoblast differentiation and the production of pre-dentin, whereas, delay in the ossification also included the alveoli. Animals inspected in adulthood displayed a fairly normal phenotype. It is concluded that those two substances, under their concentrations experienced, are quite safe for the public.