An immunohistochemical study of osteoprotegerin in the human dental pulp

This study investigated the expression of osteoprotegerin (OP) in healthy a nd inflamed dental pulps. Histological sections 7 mum thick of 47 teeth, ei ther caries-free or affected by gross caries, were used. Sections were stai ned with hematoxylin-eosin, and other sections of the same specimen were su bjected to the avidin-biotin peroxidase complex immunohistochemical procedu re for detection of OP. The study focused on the coronal pulp that was divi ded into peripheral and central regions. In the peripheral pulp healthy and inflamed specimens showed high OPG immunoreactivity of the odontoblastic l ayer. When no inflammation was present in the central pulp OPG immunoreacti vity was light. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells showed immunoreactivity r anging from none to intense. When inflammation was present in the central p ulp the chronic inflammatory cells showed intense immunoreactivity.