Immunohistochemical study of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate proteoglycan in dental pulp and dentin.

We investigated the localization of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate proteoglycans in the dental pulp and dentin of rats, using a combination of an immunohistochemical technique coupled with specific enzymatic digestion. Chondroitin 4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate were found to be widespread in pulpal connective tissue, predentin and dentinal tubules. The response to predentin was found to be particularly strong. Chondroitin 6-sulfate was stretched in pulpal connective tissue and predentin, but showed only a weak response.