Immunohistochemical localization of tenascin, fibronectin, and type III collagen in human dental pulp

The distribution of tenascin (TN), fibronectin (FN), and type III collagen (col III) in the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue of normal, i nflamed, and hyalinized human dental pulp was studied by immunohistochemica l staining with monoclonal antibodies against these molecules. TN, FN, and col III were present in all normal tissues studied. In areas of hyalinizati on only col III was observed. None of the molecules studied were seen in ar eas of inflammatory exudate, Strong staining for TN and FN was found in the periphery of all specimens analyzed next to the odontoblastic layer. We th erefore conclude that TN, FN, and col ill are present in the extracellular matrix of normal human dental pulp; TN, FN, and col III distribution in inf lammatory and degenerative processes is different from that observed in nor mal human dental pulp.