Immunohistochemical Localization of Dendritic Cells in Human Dental Pulp

Objectives: The aim of this study was to locate the dendritic cells, a part of the immunocompetent system of dental pulp, in histological samples of normal and irreversibly inflamed human dental pulp, using immunohistochemical staining methods. Material and Methods: In light of the particular character of the connective tissue of human dental pulp, the following antibodies were used: vimentin clone V9, a protein associated with neurofilaments (NFAP), the S 100 protein, and smooth muscle type actin (clone 1A4). Results: The results indicated that human dental pulp has numerous cells with branching cytoplasmic extensions, in areas of inflammatory infiltrate. Based on immunohistochemical staining we consider these to be dendritic cells. Conclusions: The presence of dendritic cells in inflamed human dental pulp is not unexpected, considering the great density of the inflammatory infiltrate, and the role they play in the inflammatory response. The subtype and significance of these cells need to be clarified.