Dentine sialoprotein and Collagen I expression after experimental pulp capping in humans using Emdogain(R) Gel

Aim To characterize the hard tissue formed in human teeth experimentally pulp capped either with calcium hydroxide or with Emdogain®Gel (Biora AB, Malmö, Sweden) – , a derivative of enamel matrix (EMD), using two markers for dentine; dentine sialoprotein (DSP) and type 1 collagen (Col I). Formation of hard tissue following pulp capping in these teeth has previously been observed and reported. Methodology Affinity-purified rabbit anti-Col I and anti-DSP polyclonal antibodies were used to stain histological sections from 9 pairs of contra-lateral premolars, that had been experimentally pulp amputated and randomly capped with EMDgel or calcium hydroxide. The teeth were extracted 12 weeks after being pulp capped. Results In the calcium hydroxide treated teeth DSP was seen in the new hard tissue which formed a bridge. DSP was also seen in the newly formed hard tissue in the EMDgel treated teeth. Proliferated pulp tissue partly filled the space initially occupied by EMDgel and DSP-stained hard tissue was observed alongside exposed dentine surfaces as well as in isolated masses within the proliferated pulp tissue, although the new hard tissue did not cover the pulp exposure. DSP staining was also seen in the cells lining the hard tissue in both groups. Col I staining was seen in the newly formed hard tissue in both groups. Conclusions The new hard tissue formed after pulp capping with EMDgel or calcium hydroxide contained DSP and Col I, considered to be markers for dentine