Objective: To study the influence of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), dentin non-collagen proteins (dNCPs) and their complex on tissue engineering pulp system.
Methods: Collagen I and dentin powder were used to construct the system of pulp cells in 3-dimensional culture, dentin powder was added in the gel. The tissue engineering pulp were divided TGF-beta 1 group, dNCPs group, TGF-beta 1/dNCPs group and control group. After 3, 6 and 14 days, the appearance and the differentiation of pulp cells were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemical staining respectively.
Results: Collagen I could form netted collagen gel construction. Growing condition of pulp cells in gel was similar to that of pulp cells in vivo. After the TGF-beta 1 and dNCPs were added, the pulp cells had some characteristics of odontoblasts and had unilateral cell process after culture 6 days. Pulp cells arranged with parallel columnar and form dentin-pulp-like complex after 14 days. Immunohistochemical staining showed dentin salivary protein (DSP) began to express in some cells. The number of positive cell was most in the TGF-beta 1 group. No positive cells were detected in the control group.
Conclusion: The transforming growth factor-beta 1 and non-collagen proteins can stimulate the pulp cells to transform into odontoblasts to some extent, which promote the formation of tissue engineering pulp.