The Studies on Osteoblasts' Biological characters Affected by Enamel Matrix Proteins

Objective: To study the effects of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) on the biological characters of osteoblasts, such as mineralization, attachment, and the capacity of synthesis of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen. Methods: MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured in vitro and exposed to EMPs at 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml. Enzyme kinetic method was used to assay alkaline phosphatase (ALP) synthesis, and 3H-proline labelling combining collagenase digestion method was used to assay type I collagen synthesis, and cell's mineralising ability was detected by Von-Kossa stain, and attachment ability was detected by counting cells number. Results: The results manifested that ALP level in EMPs treated groups was higher than that in control group (P<0.01). The synthesis of type I collagen in EMPs treated groups was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results showed that EMPs ptomote more mineral nodules formation (P<0.01). but MC3T3-E1 cell's attachment ability was not improved (P>0.05). Conclusions: EMPs stimulate the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase and type I collagen of osteoblasts, enhance the mineralizing function of osteoblasts, but have no effects on implanting on root surface of osteoblasts. EMPs may play an important role in the regeneration of alveolar bone.