Phenotypic Characterization of Deciduous Teeth Pulp Stem Cell Populations

Objectives:
The aim of this research is to isolate primary mesenchymal stem cell cultures from deciduous tooth pulp and to characterize them for expression of specific mesenchymal markers using immunofluorescence and flow-cytometry.
Methods:
The cells were characterized for expression of stem-cell markers (Nestin, Vimentin, CD146, CD44, CD49f) and markers associated with dental tissues (ALP, COL1A2, COL3A2, DSPP) using flow-cytometry and immunofluorescence.
Results:
Primary mesenchymal stem cell cultures from deciduous tooth pulp were isolated from routinely extracted, healthy deciduous teeth. For this research cells between 4-th and 6-th passages were used. The results showed that the mesenchymal stem cell cultures are heterogeneous. We proved that there are cells expressing characteristic reparative dentinogenesis markers COL1A2, COL3A1, DSPP, ALP as well as stem cell markers nestin, vimentin, CD44, CD49f, CD146.
Conclusions:
The origin of mesenchymal stem cells is still a discussed topic in dentistry. There are several pools for these cells: primary stem cells, left from the embryonic development of tooth; the endothelial cells from blood vessel walls; resorption organ of the tooth. Revealing the phenotype of the mesenchymal stem cells from deciduous teeth pulp will give us invaluable information about the potential of these cells and will help us to better understand the regenerative potential of tooth pulp and the processes of dentin production and reparation.