Cystatin C-positive Macrophages and Dendritic Cells in the Rat Incisor Pulp

Abstract

Localization of cystatin C, an endogenous cysteine protease inhibitor, was examined in the dental pulp of rat incisors using immunofluorescence microscopy. Based on double labeling with ED1 and anti-cystatin C antibodies, it was determined that anti cystatin C-labeled cells were macrophages and/or dendritic cells. Furthermore, cells in the incisor pulp were characterized by triple labeling with anti-cystatin C antibodies, ED2 antibodies for resident macrophages and OX6 antibodies for MHC class II antigens. Three cysteine proteases, cathepsin B, L and S, were also examined with immunocytochemistry. The results showed, firstly, that cystatin C single-positive cells were localized in early apical pulp, and that these cells were presumably immature macrophages invading newly formed dental pulp. Secondly, about half of OX6 + cells in the middle and incisal pulp were ED2 + , indicating that resident macrophages in addition to dendritic cells contribute to antigen surveillance via MHC Class II presentation. Thirdly, cathepsin S was present in cystatin C + cells, and therefore they may be involved in formation of proteolytic environment in whole dental pulp. In conclusion, cystatin C-positive macrophages and possibly dendritic cells may play a role in regulating the proteolytic environment of the dental pulp as well as in immunological surveillance.

Localization of Core Planar Cell Polarity Proteins, PRICKLEs, in Ameloblasts of Rat Incisors: Possible Regulation of Enamel Rod Decussation

“…All images were obtained with an Olympus AX80 fluorescence microscope equipped with a Charge Coupled Device camera (Quantix KAF1401E; Photometrics, Tucson, AZ) and MetaMorph software (Universal Imaging, Downingtown, PA), as described previously [ 20 ]. To improve image quality, 2D deconvolution processing using MetaMorph software was performed for most micrographs.…”

Localization of the Endogenous Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitor, Cystatin C, and the Cysteine Proteinase, Cathepsin B, to the Junctional Epithelium in Rat Gingiva

“…Members of the cystatin family (e.g., cystatins C and S) are found in some body fluids, such as cerebrospinal fluid and saliva, and are secreted into the extracellular space. In addition, macrophages and dendritic cells contain cystatin C [27]. Kininogens are present within blood plasma.…”