Estrogen receptors in human pulp tissue

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha in human pulp tissue. Study design. Tissue samples were collected from 51 teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons or from endodontically treated teeth. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with mouse antihuman ER-alpha 1D5 by using the alkaline phosphatase antialkaline phosphatase technique. immunohistochemical reactivity was semiquantitatively assessed and graded on an intensity scale of 0 to 3. Results. ERs were found in odontoblasts, endothelial cells, and Schwann cells. By means of statistical analysis, ERs were found to be common in odontoblasts (1.3-1.6) and in endothelial cells (1.0-1.4), whereas in Schwann cells they were somewhat rare (0.7-1.1). Difference in expression of ERs was not found among patients in different age groups. With respect to sex, a difference in reactivity was observed in Schwann cells, which showed higher reactivity in female pulps. Conclusion. The results of this study confirm the expression of ER-a in the human dental pulp.