Objective: To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) combined with heparin on odontoblast differentiation.
Methods: Trypsin-isolated dental papillae from day 17 mandibular first molar were cultured in semisolid-agar medium for 6d. Recombinant human TGF-beta(1) and BMP2 combined with heparin were added to the medium.
Results: TGF-beta(1) and BMP2 combined with heparin induced differentiation of odontoblasts and promoted matrix secretion. Odontoblast differentiation never occurred when TGF-beta(1) or BMP2 were added alone to the medium, whereas an increase in extracellular matrix production was observed.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that both TGF-beta(1) and BMP2 stimulate the cytological and functional differentiation of preodontoblasts, and that heparin might play important role as a substrate.