Stimulation of the dentine-pulp complex of rat incisor teeth by transforming growth factor-β isoforms 1-3 in vitro

Abstract

Expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoforms by odontoblasts leads to their sequestration within dentine matrix. TGF-β1 and -β3 stimulate matrix secretion and also initiate odontoblast cytodifferentiation in vitro and in vivo. Using a recently established organ- culture model, the aim here was to examine the effects of TGF-β isoforms on the response of the dentine-pulp complex during culture. Agarose beads were soaked in isoforms 1-3, and placed on the odontoblast area of slices of 28- day-old rat incisor tooth. The slices were maintained in Trowel-type cultures for 7 days. Both TGF-β1 and -β3 stimulated a local increase in predentine secretion at the site of the bead applicat..