TGF-beta 1 alone and in combination with calcium hydroxide is synergistic to TGF-beta 1 production by osteoblasts in vitro

Aim To examine the effects of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)), transforming g rowth factor-beta (TGF-beta 1), and Ca(OH)(2)/TGF-beta 1 coadministration o n TGF-beta 1 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis by early (subculture 1) and late (subculture 5) osteoblast cultures. Methodology Early and late cultures were established using bone cells harve sted from 21-day-old fetal rat calvaria. Cell cultures of both early and la te osteoblasts were divided into four groups: group 1, control; group 2, ce lls challenged with Ca(OH)(2); group 3, cells challenged with TGF-beta 1; a nd group 4, cells challenged with Ca(OH)(2) and TGF-beta 1 in combination. TGF-beta 1 and IL-6 levels for all groups were determined using ELISA metho dology, Results ANOVA and Tukey HS analyses revealed that osteoblasts of groups 3 a nd 4 significantly increased (P < 0.001) TGF-beta 1 synthesis in both early and late cultures of osteoblasts. IL-6 was not detected in any of the grou ps considered in this study. Conclusions Exogenous TGF-beta 1 has an autocrine effect on cell cultures o f osteoblasts. Administration of TGF-beta 1 alone or in combination with Ca (OH)(2) increases the synthesis of TGF-beta 1 in osteoblast cultures. Ca(OH )(2) and TGF-beta 1 are compatible when placed in a culture of osteoblasts. Ca(OH)(2) provides a favourable environment for the anabolic effects of TG F-beta 1.