Nerve fibers immunoreactive to protein gene product 9.5, calcitonin gene-related peptide, substance P, and neuropeptide Y in the dental pulp, periodontal ligament, and gingiva in cats.

The distribution patterns of nerve fibers immunoreactive (IR) to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the dental pulp, periodontal ligament (PDL), and gingiva were studied and compared with the complete innervation visualized by antibody to protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 in adult cats. The pulp showed considerably denser nerve supply for PGP 9.5, CGRP, and SP than the periodontal tissues. Most of the pulpal fibers were CGRP-IR, and approximately three to four times more IR fibers were labeled with CGRP than SP. Most fibers in the odontoblast area penetrating into the dentin tubules were CGRP-IR. NPY-IR nerves were mainly observed in connection with the larger blood vessels in pulp and PDL. In the PDL most nerves were localized in the apical third in connection with blood vessels, but CGRP-IR fibers extending close to root cementum were often observed. Immunoreactivity to PGP 9.5 and CGRP was frequently found in cell-like structures in connection with Malassez epithelium in the PDL and in some round epithelial-like cells located in the base of gingival rete pegs.