Histological evaluation of dentin-pulp tissue response after transplantation of stem cells from periosteum and human deciduous teeth and in rats.

INTRODUCTION

Endodontic treatment offers a high success rate; however, the search for therapeutic alternatives that promote regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex has elicited great interest.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in an in vivo model, the potential for dentin-pulp regeneration by transplantation of stem cells from two sources: pulp of human deciduous teeth and periosteum.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Eighteen mesiobuccal canals of maxillary first molars of immunosuppressed rats were distributed into three groups (n=6): group DT (deciduous teeth pulp), received stem cells from deciduous tooth pulp in hydrogel vehicle; group P (periosteal), received periosteal stem cells in hydrogel vehicle; and group NC (negative control) received only hydrogel. After pulpectomy and canal preparation, the teeth received the respective materials, and the cavities were sealed. After 12 weeks, the animals were euthanized and the specimens underwent histological processing and qualitative evaluation of intracanal fibrous connective tissue, odontoblast-like cells, intracanal mineralized tissue, and inflammatory cell infiltrate.

RESULTS

In the NC group, abundant presence of inflammatory cells was observed throughout the canal, in addition to dentin chips and remnants of amorphous substance from pulp tissue. In groups DT and P, in the apical region, new tissue formation suggestive of repair was observed, with deposition of bone-like mineralized tissue and periodontal ligament-like connective tissue containing blood vessels and osteocyte- and fibroblast-like cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplanted stem cells from pulp of human deciduous teeth and periosteum did not show potential for regeneration, but for tissue repair, with formation of periodontal ligament-like and bone-like tissue.