Co-expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in inflamed human pulp: an immunohistochemical study.
Recent data from the medical literature indicates that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a key role in the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a glycoprotein that has the ability to increase the permeability of blood vessels and to induce angiogenesis. This study was undertaken to investigate the immunohistological co-expression of COX-2 and VEGF in inflamed human pulp, in conjunction with the expression of CD34, a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in endothelial cells. Pulp tissue of extracted carious human third molars with a recent history of spontaneous pain were collected and processed for immunostaining of COX-2, VEGF, and CD34 using the biotin-streptoavidin method. Healthy pulp samples served as controls. COX-2 expression was not observed in healthy pulps, whereas all inflamed pulps demonstrated COX-2-expressing cells. Similarly, VEGF was not expressed in normal pulp tissue, but was strongly positive in inflamed pulps. CD34 was expressed in the endothelium of both normal and inflamed pulp tissues. Co-expression of COX-2 and VEGF in all consecutive sections of inflamed pulps could be suggestive of a possible release of VEGF via a COX-2-dependent pathway.
Güven
Günseli
G
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Center of Dental Sciences, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. guvengunseli@yahoo.com
Altun
Ceyhan
C
Günhan
Omer
O
Gurbuz
Taskin
T
Basak
Feridun
F
Akbulut
Erman
E
Cehreli
Zafer C
ZC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018952:Antigens, CD34 / Q000032:analysis*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000032:analysis*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis*
D018952:Antigens, CD34; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2