NO-cGMP signaling molecules in the rat epithelial rests of Malassez

The epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) are derived from the disintegrating epithelial root sheath of Hertwig that guides root formation during tooth development. Low concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) produced by NO-synthase I (NOS I) and NOS III activate intracellular soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to produce intracellular cyclic guanosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cGMP), which triggers rapid cellular responses such as cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis under physiological conditions. The presence of NOS I-III, sGC (alpha(2)- and beta(1)-subunits) and cGMP in the ERM was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Rat molars with periodontium were perfusion and postfixed, decalcified, frozen-sectioned, and sections were immunostained. NOS I, NOS III, sGC (alpha(2)- and beta(1)-subunits) and cGMP were localized with different densities in the ERM. The presence of NOS II in the ERM varied. The localization of NOS I, NOS III, sGC and cGMP in the ERM indicates an involvement of NO and/or NO-cGMP signal pathway molecules in homeostasis of a variety of physiological processes in the ERM. These could include regulation of cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis.