Isolation and characterization of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) – an in vitro study

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Isolation and growth of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from exfoliated human deciduous teeth (SHED). 2. Characterization of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from exfoliated human deciduous teeth (SHED). METHODS: The pulp tissue was digested in collagenase and cultured in DMEM Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Media). The stem cells were identified and isolated. Surface characterization of cells was done with the help of flow cytometer using a panel of various surface markers. An immuno cytochemistry analysis was done to see the expression of proteins in the cells. RESULTS: Identification of cells was done with the help of a phase contrast microscope. Flow cytometry analyses for various CD markers showed similar results for both DPSCs and SHED. The cells showed positive expression for pluripotent markers, ectodermal markers and mesodermal markers. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that stem cells existed in human deciduous and permanent pulp tissue. The stem cells present in deciduous permanent pulp tissue can be isolated, cultivated and expanded in vitro. Both DPSCs and SHED show almost a similar expression pattern profile for variety of antigens tested. Further studies should include analysis of diverse cell populations to elucidate their potential to differentiate into various cell types followed by in vivo studies in animals and humans.