An experimental study of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in rat submandibular gland induced by implantation of demineralized dentin.

Demineralized dentin pieces were implanted in 18 rat submandibular glands to examine the chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland. After 7 days of implantation, a large amount of cartilage tissue was found next to the inner portions of the implanted pieces, and small amounts of the osteoid and cartilage tissues were detected next to the outer portions. A small amount of bone tissue was found in contact with the cartilage 10 days after the implantation. In the inner portions, invasions of capillaries and a small amount of osteoid tissue were noted. These histological findings resembled those of endochondral ossification. Large amounts of bone tissue and resorption of the implant were observed after 14 days. It has been suggested that cartilage and bone are produced by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) in demineralized dentin resulting in chondrogenesis followed by osteogenesis in submandibular gland. Apparently, undifferentiated mesenchymal cells are produced by implantation, undergo dedifferentiation, and are redifferentiated into chondroblasts and osteoblasts in the presence of BMP. These results suggest that chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in the submandibular gland are induced by BMP. It is possible that the chondroid tissues in pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands are induced by proteins such as BMP.