Abstract
Tissue engineering protocols, such as regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs), comprise biologically based procedures designed to restore normal physiologic function. For REPs, the goal is reconstitution of the pulp-dentin complex by delivering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including the stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP) into a root canal system. Many patients regain cold sensitivity after REPs, but the mechanism is not understood. We hypothesized that SCAP modulate nociceptive function through a paracrine mechanism that activates cold-sensitive ion channels in neurons. We established a co-culture system with human SCAP and rat trigeminal (TG) sensory neurons in order to determine the effect of SCAP co-culture on neuronal responses using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. TG neurons co-cultured with SCAP demonstrated increased TRPA1-mediated (p < 0.01) and TRPM8-mediated inward current densities (p < 0.01) at 24 h in co-culture. Cold stimulation to SCAP significantly increased ATP release (p < 0.01), and supernatant collected after cold stimulation to SCAP was able to activate cultured TG neurons. Co-culture with SCAP significantly increased sustained ATP-evoked inward current density (p < 0.05). These data suggest that SCAP release trophic factors that act on afferent neurons to enhance cold-sensitive ion channel activity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 61-67 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Neuroscience |
Volume | 360 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 30 2017 |
Keywords
- ATP
- TRPA1
- TRPM8
- apical papilla
- mesenchymal stem cells
- regenerative endodontics
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience