Objective: To observe the expression of TGF-beta receptors on cultured human dental papilla cells and the effects of TGF-beta on TGF-beta receptors of the cells.
Methods: The expression of TGF-beta receptors on cultured human dental papilla cells and the effects of TGF-beta on TGF-beta receptors of the cells were examined by cell culture and immunohistochemical technique and image analysis.
Results: Type I, type II receptors for TGF-beta in human dental papilla cells were stained strongly and type III was weakly positive. Image analysis indicated that all experimental groups had no obvious difference with control groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Cultured human dental papilla cells express TGF-beta type I, type II and type III receptors. TGF-beta has no obvious effects on the cell receptor expression.