Immunocompetent Cells in the Normal Dental Pulp

Abstract

The existence and location of various immunocompetent cells in the human dental pulp were investigated. Pulp tissue for analysis was obtained both from clinically intact pre-molars and from third molars without restorations or caries. Frozen and acetone-fixed pulp tissue sections were subjected to indirect immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies to the following cell types: all peripheral T cells, helper/inducer T cells, cytotoxic/suppressor T cells, macrophages, B cells, and Class II antigen-expressing cells. Dendritic cells expressing Class II antigens (HLA-DR, -DQ), indicating a capacity for presentation of antigen to T helper cells, were seen in the odontoblastic layer as well as in the central portions of the pulp tissue. T lymphocytes, divided into helper/inducer and cytotoxic/suppressor cells, were observed in all pulp specimens. B cells were not seen in any of the pulp samples examined. The data demonstrate that the human dental pulp is equipped with immunocompetent cells essential for the initiation of immunological responses.

Class II MHC Antigen-Expressing Cells in the Pulp Tissue of Human Deciduous Teeth Prior to Shedding.

“…The abundance of class II MHC antigen-expressing cells in the normal dental pulp (JONTELL et al, 1987(JONTELL et al, , 1988OKIJI et al, 1992;OHSHIMA et al, 1994OHSHIMA et al, , 1996OHSHIMA et al, , 1997YOSHIBA et al, 1996) implies important roles played by these cells in maintaining physiological conditions of the pulp tissue. Of particular interest is the location of these cells.…”

“…Recent immunohistochemical studies have revealed the presence of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen-expressing cells in the dental pulp (JONTELL et al, 1987(JONTELL et al, , 1988OKIJI et al, 1992;OHSHIMA et al, 1994OHSHIMA et al, , 1995OHSHIMA et al, , 1996OHSHIMA et al, , 1997YOSHIBA et al, 1996). The class II MHC antigenexpressing cells are thought to serve as the antigenpresenting cells that play an essential role in the initiation of immune responses (STEINMAN, 1991).…”

N-acetylcysteine protects dental pulp stromal cells from HEMA-induced apoptosis by inducing differentiation of the cells

“…[1,2]. Indeed, a population of putative post-natal stem cells within the dental pulp stromal cells (DPSCs) was found to have the capability to regenerate a dentin-pulp-like complex, which is composed of mineralized matrix with tubules lined with odontoblasts, and fibrous tissue containing blood vessels in an arrangement similar to the dentin-pulp complex found in normal human teeth [3,4].…”

“…Odontoblasts are known to express specific proteins such as dentin sialoprotein (DSP), Osteopontin (OPN), Osteocalcin (OCN), type 1-collagen, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Dentin Matrix Protein-1 (DMP-1). [1,2]. OPN which is an early stage osteoblastic marker is also expressed by odontoblasts since this is a component of their matrix.…”

The Relationship between Odontoblasts and Immunocompetent Cells during Dentinogenesis in Rat Incisors: An Immunohistochemical Study Using OX6-monoclonal Antibody.

“…Recent Immunohistochemical studies have revealed various types of immunocompetent cells, especially class II MHC antigen-expressing cells, in the normal pulp (JONTELL et al, 1987(JONTELL et al, , 1988OKIJI et al, 1992). The class II MHC antigen-expressing cells are thought to act as antigen-presenting cells that are essential for the initiation of immune responses (JONTELL and BERGENHOLTZ, 1992).…”