title: Immunolocalization of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase, cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and receptor activator of NFkappaB ligand in odontoclasts during physiological root resorption of human deciduous teeth.
abstract: To investigate the cellular mechanisms of physiological root resorption in human deciduous teeth, the authors examined the immunocytochemical localization of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase, a lysosomal cysteine proteinase, cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and receptor activator of NFKB ligand (RANKL) in odontoclasts. H+-ATPase, cathepsin K, and MMP-9 are the most important enzymes for decalcification of apatite crystals and degradation of type-I collagen. In addition, RANKL is one of the key regulatory molecules in osteoclast formation and functions. Odontoclasts developed extensive ruffled borders and clear zones apposed to the resorbing root dentine surfaces. On immunoelectron microscopy, the expression of vacuolar-type H+-ATPase was detected along the limiting membranes of pale vacuoles and the ruffled border membranes of odontoclasts. Cathepsin K in odontoclasts was localized within pale vacuoles, lysosomes, the extracellular canals of ruffled borders, and the underlying resorbing dentine surfaces. MMP-9 localization in odontoclasts was similar to those of cathepsin K. RANKL was detected in both mononuclear stromal cells and odontoclasts located on resorbing dentine surfaces. These results suggest that (1) odontoclasts are directly involved in decalcification of apatite crystals by active extrusion of proton ions mediated by H+-ATPase and (2) extracellular degradation of dentine type-I collagen by both cathepsin K and MMP-9, and (3) odontoclast differentiation and activity are regulated, at least in part, by RANKL, possibly produced by mononuclear stromal cells and odontoclasts themselves in the resorbing tissues. Thus, the cellular mechanisms of physiological root resorption appear to be quite similar to those of osteoclastic bone resorption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthodontics, Showa University School of Dentistry, 2-1-1 Kitasenzoku, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 145-8515, Japan.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oshiro
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shibasaki
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sasaki
mesh_terms: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D056657:Cathepsin K; D002403:Cathepsins / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000032:analysis*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000737:chemistry*; D006180:Proton-Translocating ATPases / Q000032:analysis*; D053245:RANK Ligand; D053246:Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000032:analysis*; D014091:Tooth Resorption; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000201:enzymology
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D053245:RANK Ligand; D053246:Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; C505686:TNFRSF11A protein, human; C505688:TNFSF11 protein, human; D002403:Cathepsins; C534130:CTSK protein, human; D056657:Cathepsin K; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D006180:Proton-Translocating ATPases