TGF-beta1 is essential for the homeostasis of the dentin-pulp complex.
Among the complex network of cytokines that influence odontoblast function during development and repair, TGF-beta1 is unique in its dual abilities to function as a potent immunosuppressant and as an inducer of extracellular matrix production. These properties underscore the importance of this molecule in maintaining the homeostasis of the dentin-pulp complex after injury. The purpose of this paper is to describe new findings of our phenotypic analysis of dentition in mice in which the TGF-beta1 gene has been disrupted. The major phenotype of TGF-beta1(-/-) offspring is one of diffuse immune system activation with progressive inflammation, wasting and death. Our studies of adult TGF-beta1(-/-) dentition show widespread pulpal and periapical inflammation and necroses. In addition, the coronal surfaces of occluding molars show marked attrition. To determine whether the phenotypic changes in TGF-beta1(-/-) dentition are directly linked to the loss of TGF-beta1 rather than the inflammatory process itself, we studied adult dentition in TGF-beta1(-/-) mice backcrossed into immunodeficient backgrounds. Results of our histopathologic and radiographic analyses show that teeth of TGF-beta1(-/-) immunodeficient mice retain vitality in pulpal and periapical regions but show excessive wear of occlusal surfaces.
D'Souza
R N
RN
Department of Basic Sciences, University of Texas Houston Health Science Center, Dental Branch, 77030, USA. rdsouza@mail.db.uth.tmc.edu
Cavender
A
A
Dickinson
D
D
Roberts
A
A
Letterio
J
J
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D010641:Phenotype; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C499308:Rag2 protein, mouse; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; C064655:V(D)J recombination activating protein 2; D003907:Dexamethasone