Dental pulps contain sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as chondroitin 4-sulfate (CSA/4CS), dermatan sulfate (CSB/DS), and chondroitin 6-sulfate (CSC/6CS). Sulfated GAGs play important roles in mineralization and collagen fibrillogenesis during primary, secondary, and reparative dentin formations. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent regulator for several extracellular matrix (ECM) components and modulates the proliferation and differentiation. Using rat clonal dental pulp cells (RPC-C2A), we investigated the constituents of GAGs synthesized by the cells and the effect of TGF-beta on their synthesis by measuring the radioactivity of [35S]sulfate incorporated into GAG fractions. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis analysis revealed that RPC-C2A cells synthesized CSA and CSB but not CSC and that 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta increased the production of CSA and CSB in the cell/ECM fraction. Measurement of [35S]sulfate incorporation showed a significant increase in the amount of GAGs by TGF-beta, 1.3-fold CSA, and 1.2-fold CSB in the cell/ECM fraction. In the medium fraction the most secreted GAG was CSA, whereas CSB was stored in the cell/ECM fraction. Secreted CSA in the medium was markedly increased by 10 ng/ml of TGF-beta (1.7-fold). These findings indicate that CSA and CSB are major sulfated GAGs synthesized by RPC-C2A cells and that TGF-beta acts as a stimulator of sulfated GAG synthesis in dental pulp cells.

The organic matrix component of human pulp stones was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Two pulp stones were extracted from the upper molar teeth of two patients suffering from irreversible pulpitis. Both were formed in the center of the pulp cavity and located apart from the dentin walls. After demineralization, serial sections of the stones were prepared and subjected to immunohistochemical procedures using specific antibodies to type I collagen and noncollagenous proteins (osteopontin, osteonectin, and osteocalcin), which are reported to be involved in calcified matrix formation. Type I collagen was localized evenly in the stones, indicating that it is a major matrix component of pulp stones. Strong immunostaining of osteopontin appeared in the peripheral area of the stones, whereas osteonectin and osteocalcin were not detected. We previously reported that dental pulp cells produced osteopontin in vitro. Osteopontin has been commonly found in other pathological calcification, such as urinary stones, atherosclerotic plaques, and dental calculus. Taken together, the present findings suggest that osteopontin produced by dental pulp cells is possibly associated with calcification of the pulp stone matrix.

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The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effects of a test liquid dentifrice containing 0.1% triclosan, 0.05% tranexamic acid and 0.05% 33) Lucas, 0.N. : Increased fibrinolytic activity in the inflamed gingiva of beagle dogs.