Overall, these data showed that transplantation of a tissue-engineered hIDPSC sheet was successful for the reconstruction of corneal epithelium in an animal model of LSCD.

We have demonstrated, using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, that hIDPSCs express markers in common with LSC, such as ABCG2, integrin beta1, vimentin, p63, connexin 43 and cytokeratins 3/12. They were also capable of reconstructing the eye surface after induction of unilateral TLSCD in rabbits, as shown by morphological and immunohistochemical analysis using human-specific antibodies against limbal and corneal epithelium. Our data suggest that hIDPSCs share similar characteristics with LSC and might be used as a potential alternative source of cells for corneal reconstruction.

To evaluate the ability of human immature dental pulp stem cells, which are mesenchymal stem cells of neural crest origin, to differentiate into the corneal epithelium for purposes of corneal transplantation and tissue engineering when cultured on de-epithelized amniotic membranes. Methods: We compared the immunophenotypes (ABCG2, K3/12, and vimentin) of cells grown on amniotic membranes or plastic surfaces under serum-free conditions or in culture media containing serum or serum replacement components. Results: Immature dental pulp stem cells grown on amniotic membranes under basal conditions are able to maintain their undifferentiated state. Our data also suggest that the culture medium used in the present work can modulate the expression of immature dental pulp stem cell markers, thus inducing epithelial differentiation of these cells in vitro. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the amniotic membrane is a good choice for the growth and transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells, particularly immature dental pulp stem cells, in clinical ocular surface reconstruction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the regeneration of the mental nerve after injury by compression and treatment with mesenchymal stem cells obtained from human dental pulp of primary teeth of children with age ranging 5–7 years old. Thirty‐six male Wistar rats were used in this experiment and the rats had their right side mental nerve injured by compression and left side nerve used as positive controls. The right side mental nerves were then distributed in two study groups: control group with compression and no treatment (n=18) and experimental group that underwent injury by compression and treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (n=18). Animals were euthanized at different times of study: 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 42 days after lesion and they had their mental nerves and trigeminal ganglion removed for analysis with transmission electron microscopy. The images of neural fibers were obtained for the measurement of external circunference of mielinic fibers and thickness of mielinic layer. The nerves after 14 days of treatment showed similar morphological aspects to the intact nerve. We can conclude that the use of mesenchymal stem cells for mental nerve regeneration was effective in a single aplication after two weeks of the treatment.

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