Method: Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds were prepared in pulp chambers of extracted human third molars using salt crystals as porogen. DPSCs seeded in tooth slice/scaffolds were cultured in vitro using DMEM low glucose supplemented with fetal bovine serum and after 28 days the engineered pulp-like tissue was submitted to Immunohistochemical analysis for TGF-β. Pulps of human third molar treated with calcium hydroxide were used as positive control. Scaffolds without cells were used as negative controls.
Result: The microscopic analysis showed, in the experimental cases (scaffolds/TS), that TGF-β was immunostained into the extracellular matrix of engineered pulps and exhibited a fibrillar pattern in all engineered tissue extension. Besides, experimental cases were immunostained in predentin and blood vessels basement membrane. Unlike, cellular structures (fibroblasts and endothelial cells) were not immunostained. Positive control was immunostaining into the extracellular matrix like an experimental condition, including the immunostaining for odontoblastic cells. Negative control was not immunoreactive for TGF-β.
Conclusion: Immunohistochemical TGF-β expression showed that pulp regenerative events appear to follow a similar pattern to the events of pulp repair.