[Lectin histochemical study on human dental pulp. Special reference to odontoblasts and pulp cells].

The present study investigated some lectin affinities of human dental pulps, especially of odontoblasts and pulp cells. The materials were obtained from clinically intact teeth that were caries-free, attrition and/or abrasion-free. Mucopolysaccharide staining was carried out with applied PAS and alcian blue (AB) (pH 1.0 and 2.5). Lectins used were Con A, WGA, RCA-1, UEA-1, DBA, SBA, MPA, LFA, HPA, PNA, and GS-1, and the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex method was employed. Some specimens were tested for PNA binding after treatment with sialidase. The following results were obtained: 1) On PAS and AB staining, the pulp tissue was very weakly or borderline positive. 2) Lectin binding in odontoblasts was intensely positive with Con A, WGA, RCA-1, MPA, and LFA, but negative or very weakly positive with the other lectins examined. 3) Lectin localization in odontoblasts was localized diffusely throughout the cytoplasm. 4) On PNA staining, odontoblasts were negative, but changed to positive after treatment with sialidase. 5) Odontoblast processes showed negative or borderline staining with all lectins used in this study. 6) The pulp cells were clearly positive with Con A, MPA, LFA, RCA-1, and SBA and especially LFA showed an intense reaction with the pulp cells. 7) WGA affinity for odontoblasts was very strong but that for pulp cells was very weak. 8) Lectin binding in pulp cells was observed mainly in the processes of the cells. From the above results, it is clear that the lectin binding pattern of odontoblasts differs from that of pulp cells. The data suggest that D-mannose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-galactose, and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues are localized in the odontoblasts and sialic acid is localized in the pulp cells.