Heat shock induces the synthesis of the inflammatory mediator leukotriene B4 in human pulp cells.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the synthesis of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in cultures of human dental pulp cells induced by heat shock.


METHODS
Primary pulp cells (PC) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) were cultivated under appropriate conditions. For the characterization of PC the expression of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Thermal stimulation of cell cultures was performed at temperatures of 37, 38, 39, 40, 42 and 45 degrees C for stimulation times of 5 and 30 s. LTB4 was quantified by reversed-phase high-performance chromatography and differences between the LTB4 concentrations of controls and heat stimulated cells were analysed with Friedman analysis of variances by ranks and multiple comparisons (P < 0.05).


RESULTS
Both cell cultures expressed DSPP under the conditions of the present experiment. The analysis revealed significantly enhanced LTB4 synthesis following thermal stimulations at 38, 39, 40, 42 and 45 degrees C compared with unstimulated controls for both PC and DPSC.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study demonstrated the capability of pulp cells to synthesize the arachidonic acid mediator LTB4 in response to heat shock. LTB4 has the capacity to induce inflammatory reactions and to sensitise afferent nociceptive nerve endings. LTB4 synthesis is induced by minor temperature changes, which are relevant for various clinical situations.
Eberhard
J
J
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany. eberhard@konspar.uni-kiel.de
Zahl
A
A
Dommisch
H
H
Winter
J
J
Acil
Y
Y
Jepsen
S
S
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000378:metabolism*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism*; D007975:Leukotriene B4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D000099311:Dentin Sialophosphoprotein
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007975:Leukotriene B4; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D012795:Sialoglycoproteins; D000099311:Dentin Sialophosphoprotein