Nicotine inhibits mineralization of human dental pulp cells

J Endod. 2008 Sep;34(9):1061-5. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2008.06.005.

Abstract

Nicotine is a major component of tobacco smoke, and signals via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). However, little is known about the effects of nicotine on human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). In this study, we assessed the effects of nicotine on mineralization in HDPCs. We confirmed messenger RNA expression of nAChR subunits and examined the effects of nicotine on expression of extracellular matrices (ECMs), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralized nodule formation by HDPCs. Gene expression of nAChR subunits alpha1, alpha2, alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha 6, alpha 7, beta1, beta2, and beta 4 was detected in HDPCs. Interestingly, the messenger RNA expression of dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein-1, bone sialoprotein, and ALP activity were significantly reduced in nicotine-treated HDPC. In addition, mineralized nodule formation, which was examined by alizarin red staining, was also inhibited in HDPCs by the same treatment. These results indicate that nicotine suppresses the cytodifferentiation and mineralization of HDPCs, possibly via nAChR.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dental Pulp / cytology
  • Dental Pulp / drug effects*
  • Dental Pulp / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein
  • Nicotine / toxicity*
  • Nicotinic Agonists / toxicity*
  • Phosphoproteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Phosphoproteins / biosynthesis
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / biosynthesis
  • Sialoglycoproteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Sialoglycoproteins / biosynthesis
  • Tooth Calcification / drug effects*

Substances

  • DMP1 protein, human
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • IBSP protein, human
  • Integrin-Binding Sialoprotein
  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Sialoglycoproteins
  • Nicotine