Mineralized nodule formation by human dental papilla cells in culture

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Abstract
Human dental papilla cells were enzymatically separated from deciduous tooth germs of an 8‐month‐old embryo legally aborted. the second passage cells were cultured up to 35 days in 3 groups. The β‐gp group was cultured in the Dulbecco MEM containing ascorbic acie and β‐glycerophosphate supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum. The Dex group was in the same medium, in addition containing dexamethasone. The Control group contained none of the 3 chemicals, Mineralized nodules were formed after 15 days in the β‐GP and Dex groups. Only in the presence of ascorbic acid and organic phosphate did they mineralize. The addition of dexamethasone caused a significant increase in the number of nodules. By electron microscopy, the nodules contained needle‐shaped crystals associated with a network of collagen fibrils. Calcium and phosphorus were detected by energy‐dispersive X‐ray diffiractometry. Cells showed high levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, which was increased 2∼3 times in the presence of the 3 chemicals. These results indicated that human dental papilla cells have the ability to from dentin in culture. The formation of mineralized nodules by human dental papilla in vitro provides a useful model for studying the morphogenesis and differentiation of dental papilla cctomesenchyme.

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