Differential expression and distribution of syndecan-1 and-2 in the developing periodontium of the rat

Cell surface proteoglycans are known to interact with adhesion molecules, g rowth factors and a variety of other effector molecules implying their cent ral role in various aspects of cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. To i nvestigate the expression and distribution of the cell surface proteoglycan s syndecan-1 and -2, the developing periodontal tissues of 3-, 5-, and 8-wk -old male Lewis rats, were stained by specific monoclonal antibodies agains t syndecan-1, or -2 core protein, using immunohistochemical techniques. The results demonstrated that syndecan-1 and -2 were expressed and distributed differentially in several compartments of the developing periodontal tissu es at different ages. Expression of syndecan-1 was noted in areas of intens e cellular activity such as the developing apical root tip of the tooth and at the crestal bone where new bone formation was taking place. In contrast , syndecan-2 expression and distribution did not exhibit the same patterns as syndecan-1. Syndecan-2 showed significant differences of distribution in hard tissues undergoing maturation at different ages. These findings indic ate that syndecan-1 and -2 may have distinctive functions during morphogene sis, organogenesis and differentiation of the periodontium.