Dentin barrier test with transfected bovine pulp-derived cells

Growth kinetics of SV40 large T-antigen-transfected bovine pulp-derived cel ls on dentin were investigated. These cells were used in a dentin barrier t est device, and the system was evaluated by testing a set of dental filling materials. Cells (120 cells/mm(2)) were seeded on dentin slices and incuba ted for up to 21 days. Cell proliferation was recorded using WITT assay. Fo r cytotoxicity tests 3500 cells/mm(2) were seeded on dentin discs, which we re then incorporated into the dentin barrier test device. After 72 h preinc ubation test materials were applied. After a 24 h exposure with or without perfusion of the pulpal part of the test device, cell survival was evaluate d using MTT assay. The cells revealed similar growth kinetics on dentin sli ces and on tissue culture plates. In cytotoxicity tests the cells were more sensitive toward the test materials than previously used three-dimensional cultures of human foreskin fibroblasts and as anticipated from clinical ex perience. Further improvement is expected by using three-dimensional cultur es of pulp-derived cells.