The Effects of Enamel Matrix Proteins and Dentin Collagen on the Attachment of Periodontal Ligament Cells

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of enamel matrix proteins (EMP) and dentin collagen on the attachment of periodontal ligament cells to the root surfaces.

Methods: Eighty-four root slices were obtained from forty-two lower anterior teeth that had been extracted due to the periodontal disease. The root slices were subjected to one of the following treatments: 1) control group 2) EDTA demineralization + EMP, 3) dentin collagen, 4) EDTA demineralization + dentin collagen. Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells (105/ml) were seeded and incubated for two hours on surfaces of the roots in each group. Following the incubation the numbers of the attached cells were calculated by colorimetric assay and the morphologies of the cells were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis (p=0.05).

Results: No significant difference was found among the groups regarding the number of attached cells (p>0.05). However, the mean number of the attached cells was highest in the 2nd Group (EDTA demineralization + EMP), while it was lowest in Group 3 (dentin collagen). SEM evaluation of the dentin specimens revealed that the EMPs treated specimens exhibited elongated fibroblasts with filopodial extensions while the cells in the control and dentin collagen treated groups were round with thin and short filopodia.

Conclusion: In this study, the EMPs were found effective in the attachment of cells on the root surface when compared to dentin collagen.