[Activity of glial cells in trigeminal nervous system in rats with experimental pulpitis].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the activity change of astrocyte in related nucleus caused by acute pulpitis in rats.

METHODS

Rat acute pulpitis model was induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). And, according to processing time, a total of 30 rats were divided into 5 groups of control, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to detect the dynamic expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve (Vc).

RESULTS

The relative gray value of ipsilateral Vc GFAP expression in experimental groups was 153 ± 11 at 12 h. And it significantly increased versus the control group (100 ± 4)(P < 0.05). The relative gray value of GFAP was 198 ± 12 at 24 h and was 231 ± 9 at 48 h. And they significantly increased versus the control group (both P < 0.01). Their expressions were time-dependent.

CONCLUSION

In this acute pulpitis model, activated glial cells are probably involved in the processes of pulpitis and hyperalgesia.