Human odontoblasts contain S-100 protein-like immunoreactivity.
S-100 protein is a group of three closely related isoforms (S-100ao, S-100a, and S-100b). This protein was first described as unique to the nervous system but it has also been identified subsequently in a variety of cell types of neuroectodermal (i.e., melanocytes, glial cells) and non-neuroectodermal origin (i.e., Langerhans cells, adipocytes, chondrocytes). In the present investigation the presence of S-100 protein was studied in human odontoblasts using a specific polyclonal antibody directed against S-100 protein in immunoperoxidase labelling experiments. The S-100 protein was detected in the cytoplasm of odontoblasts. This result suggests that S-100 protein can play a role in odontoblast functions.
Lombardi
T
T
Division of Stomatology and Oral Surgery, Dental School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Di Felice
R
R
Samson
J
J
D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D005333:Fetus / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D009804:Odontoblasts / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
D000906:Antibodies; D009418:S100 Proteins