| The purpose of this study was to examine the potential role of dentin matrix protein 1 in inducing cytodifferentiation of odontoblast-like cells and formation of tertiary dentin. Dentin matrix protein 1 was used in-vivo as a dentin-inducing signaling molecule in a rat model. Cavities were drilled and pulps exposed in maxillary first molars. Collagen matrix impregnated with recombinant dentin matrix protein 1 was implanted directly in Group 1, while calcium hydroxide, a commonly used pulp capping agent was implanted in Group 2, collagen matrix that was not impregnated in recombinant DMP1 was implanted directly in Group 3 which served as control. All cavities were sealed with Zinc Oxide Eugenol filling material. Each one of the three groups was divided into 2 subgroups. A, for 2 weeks duration and B, for four weeks duration.; A Total of thirty molars in twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawely rats were used in this study. After the determined duration for each group the maxillae were excised, tissues were processed for histological and immunohistochemical examinations.; The results showed DMP1 can act as morphogen, it acts on undifferentiated mesenchyme cells that might be stem cells. The out come of this activity leads to reparative dentin formation, which was confirmed by the presence of calcified deposits, odontoblast specific markers, and collagen matrix. |
