Effect of Tricalcium Silicate on the Proliferation and Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Cells

Introduction: This study was to investigate the effects of tricalcium silicate (Ca3SiO5) on proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in vitro. Methods: The hDPCs were seeded in culture medium with or without Ca3SiO5 extract and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)(2)) extract. Proliferation of the hDPCs was measured by methyl-thiazol-tetrazolium (MIT) assay. Odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction by using odontogenic marker genes such as dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP 1), osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and collagen type I (Col I), which were verified by ALP activity assessment, mineralization assay, and immunocytochemistry staining for dentin sialoprotein (DSP). Results: The MTT assay showed that hDPCs cultured with Ca3SiO5 extract proliferated more significantly as compared with Ca(OH)(2) extract. Analysis of odontogenic marker genes indicated that Ca3SiO5 enhanced the expression of those genes. Moreover, the extract of Ca3SiO5 stimulated mineralization and increased ALP and DSP production conspicuously. Conclusions: These results reveal that Ca3SiO5 can induce the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs in vitro and might be a potential candidate for preparation of a new type of Ca3SiO5-based cement as a pulp-capping agent. (J Endod 2011;37:1240-1246)