Basic fibroblast growth factor on the pulp stump after pulpotomy, and formation of new hard tissue

Abstract

I attempted to elucidate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the formation of new hard tissue after pulpotomy by examining the localization of bFGF and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and by studying the formation of hard tissue on the exposed surface of the pulp using laser scanning microscopy (LSM). Immunohistochemical procedures and LSM revealed bFGF three days after pulpotomy, while new hard tissue formation was evident after 14 days. Localization of ALP activity increased gradually from the surface of the lateral canal wall to the exposed surface of the pulp. This suggests that bFGF may facilitate differentiation and growth of pulp cells, and that newly-formed odontoblasts may promote the formation of new hard tissue.