Development of a method to determine inflammatory cytokines in dentinal fluid, dentinal shavings, and pulp tissue of teeth with symptomatic reversible or irreversible pulpitis.

Aim of the study To develop a method for determination of inflammatory cytokines in the dentinal fluid and dentinal shavings of teeth presenting with symptomatic reversible or irreversible pulpitis. In teeth with irreversible pulpitis additionally pulp tissue was to be investigated. Material and methods Fifteen teeth presenting with symptoms of reversible pulpitis and 15 teeth with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis were included. Following anaesthesia without vasoconstringens and isolation with rubber dam dentinal shavings wered collected during excavation and preparation of the dentine. After removal of the smear layer the cavity twice was filled with PBS for 3 minutes to collect dentinal fluid. Additionally, in teeth with irreversible pulpitis pulp tissue was collected. Using ELISAs the samples were investigated for the presence of 8 different cytokines: CRGP, Substance P, IL-1, IL-6, MMP-8, Fibrinogen, TNF-α, and PGE 2. Results Using ELISA-tests, in dentinal fluid as well as in dentinal shavings all cytokines except TNF-α were detected, though in widely differing quantities. All cytokines except TNF-α also were found in the pulp tissue of teeth with symptoms of irreversible pulpitis. As the volume of the samples could not be standardized nor measured and due to the necessary dilution no statistical testing could be applied in this study. Conclusion In teeth with reversible or irreversible pulpitis inflammatory cytokines can be found in the dentinal fluid and in dentinal shavings as well as in the pulp tissue of teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Due to methodological problems this study failed to reveal quantitative differences in the cytokine content between reversible and irreversible pulpitis. A suggestion for an improved study protocol is presented.2016-08-0