Localization of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs-2, 8, 9 and 20) in normal and carious dentine

Abstract

Background: Dentine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) may participate in the destruction of dentine following demineralization by bacterial acids. This study investigated the localization of MMPs in carious dentine. Methods: Frozen sections of dentine caries were prepared without demineralization and immersed in monoclonal antibody against MMP-2, -8, -9 and -20. The sections were labelled by IgG conjugated with gold colloidal particles, and observed under FE-SEM. Labelling indexes (number of gold particles /μm2) of outer and inner carious dentine, respectively, with and without bacterial infection, were compared with that of normal dentine. Results: MMP-2 was distributed in both carious and n..