[The effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp cells in vitro].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of human basic fibroblast growth factor (hbFGF) on proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp cells in vitro.

METHODS

The syntheses of DNA, collagen, fibronection (FN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and the expression of agglutinin were measured with imagine processing and analysis system.

RESULTS

hbFGF at concentration of 1-10 micrograms/L stimulated the cell proliferation measured by MTT colorimetric assay, and promoted incorporation of 3H-thymidine at 1-100 micrograms/L. The expression of type I collagen, FN, Con A receptor, and ALP significantly increased at hbFGF concentration of 10-1,000 micrograms/L, but the expression of type III collagen and WGA receptor markedly decreased at the same concentration. There was no significant difference in expression of BMP.

CONCLUSION

bFGF has the capability to promote the differentiation of dental pulp cells to odontoblasts in culture.