Human beta-defensin (hBD-1, -2) expression in dental pulp.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of human beta-defensins (hBD-1, -2) in dental pulps by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA transcripts of human beta-defensin-1 and human beta-defensin-2 could be detected by performing RT-PCR. With immunohistochemical staining of pulp tissue using antisera to hBD-1 and -2 it was possible to demonstrate cytoplasmic expression in odontoblasts. The results demonstrate that not only oral keratinocytes at the epithelial surface but also odontoblasts express human beta-defensins. Thus odontoblasts take part in the innate immune system and human beta-defensins may play an important role in the innate host defense of human dental pulp.
Dommisch
H
H
Department of Periodontology and Operative and Preventive Dentistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany. Henrik.Dommisch@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Winter
J
J
Açil
Y
Y
Dunsche
A
A
Tiemann
M
M
Jepsen
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000032:analysis*
C406407:DEFB1 protein, human; C106641:DEFB4A protein, human; D023083:beta-Defensins