Immunocytochemical investigation of immune cells within human primary and permanent tooth pulp.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any differences in the number and distribution of immune cells within human primary and permanent tooth pulp, both in health and disease.


METHODS
The research took the form of a quantitative immunocytochemical study. One hundred and twenty-four mandibular first permanent molars and second primary molars were obtained from children requiring dental extractions under general anaesthesia. Following exodontia, 10-microm-thick frozen pulp sections were processed for indirect immunofluorescence. Triple-labelling regimes were employed using combinations of the following: (1) protein gene product 9.5, a general neuronal marker; (2) leucocyte common antigen (LCA); and (3) Ulex europaeus I lectin, a marker of vascular endothelium. Image analysis was then used to determine the percentage area of immunostaining for LCA.


RESULTS
Leucocytes were significantly more abundant in the pulp horn and mid-coronal region of intact and carious primary teeth, as compared to permanent teeth (P < 0.05, anova). Both dentitions demonstrated the presence of well-localized inflammatory cell infiltrates and marked aborization of pulpal nerves in areas of dense leucocyte accumulation.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary and permanent tooth pulps appear to have a similar potential to mount inflammatory responses to gross caries The management of the compromised primary tooth pulp needs to be reappraised in the light of these findings.
Rodd
H D
HD
Department of Oral Health and Development, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Claremont Crescent, Sheffield S10 2TA, UK. h.d.rodd@sheffield.ac.uk
Boissonade
F M
FM
D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000276:immunology; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000098:blood supply / Q000276:immunology* / Q000294:innervation; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D008963:Molar; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000648:ultrastructure; D037121:Plant Lectins; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000276:immunology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000276:immunology*; D014098:Toothache / Q000276:immunology; D043222:Ubiquitin Thiolesterase / Q000032:analysis; D039762:Ulex
D015415:Biomarkers; D037121:Plant Lectins; C482860:UCHL1 protein, human; C036850:Ulex europaeus lectins; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens; D043222:Ubiquitin Thiolesterase